Trump was greeted at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris and Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee. His schedule includes meetings with Prime Minister Micheál Martin and President Connolly, as well as a speech at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence.
Irish outlets have highlighted concerns about the upcoming conversation between Trump and Connolly, who previously described him as an “unstable and unpredictable man who behaves like a bully.” RTÉ reported that the “courtesy meeting” is expected to touch on the Gaza conflict, a central theme of Connolly’s campaign. Parties that supported her election have said they expect her to raise the issue.
According to The Irish Times, Trump is likely to urge Ireland to purchase American liquefied natural gas during his meeting with Martin. He raised the topic in March during the prime minister’s St. Patrick’s Day visit to Washington, suggesting that buying U.S. gas could help reduce Ireland’s trade surplus with the United States.
On Saturday afternoon, Trump will travel to County Clare to spend the remainder of the weekend at his Doonbeg golf resort, where he plans to watch the Irish Open.
Protests are expected during the visit, including in central Dublin.
The Irish police force (Garda Síochána) said the security arrangements for the visit of the 47th President of the United States will be among the largest operations it has ever undertaken. The Irish Times reports that around 4,000 officers—Irish and American—will take part in the operation, which will include measures such as drone‑jamming technology.
(pu)
Source: PAP