Saturday, March 18, 2017

Whatever we feel about Trump, his Irish visit is a necessary evil in the world of realpolitik

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and US President Donald Trump after a ‘Friends of Ireland’ lunch at the Capitol Building in Washington DC. Photo: Niall Carson/PA
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and US President Donald Trump after a ‘Friends of Ireland’ lunch at the Capitol Building in Washington DC. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

It's tempting to speculate that US President Donald Trump has promised to make space in his schedule for a trip to Ireland in the same spirit that he said he'd build a wall between the US and Mexico, forcing the Mexicans to pay for it.

In other words, no need to worry about shampooing the red carpet and ordering bulk supplies of stars and stripes bunting just yet.

But if he lasts a four-year term, we can be sure he'll call in the Taoiseach's invitation. Not because he's taking an interest in his "new friend" Enda's little country. Not because he wants to inspect his Doonbeg golf resort investment. But because a state visit will help to secure the Irish-American vote.

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