Donald Trump has arrived in Ireland for a two-day visit, with meetings planned with President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin amid one of the largest security operations ever mounted by the Irish police service.
Air Force One landed at Dublin Airport early on Saturday, where the US president was met by Finance Minister Simon Harris. Mr Trump stepped on to a red carpet before entering a waiting motorcade, saluting officials and security personnel gathered at the airport.
His programme includes engagements in Dublin and at his golf resort in Doonbeg, Co Clare, where the Irish Open is being held. The visit has prompted planned protests and frustration among some residents over the disruption caused by the security measures.
Mr Trump is expected to meet Ms Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park before holding talks with Mr Martin at the nearby Farmleigh Estate.
The Taoiseach said he was looking forward to welcoming the president and discussing “the many issues of mutual interest and reaffirming the strong economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between Ireland and the United States”.
Mr Martin said the visit came during “a remarkable sporting summer for Ireland”, adding that the Irish Open at Trump International Doonbeg would be “a fitting conclusion to an outstanding season of sport”.
Events are also due to take place at Deerfield, the residence of the US ambassador to Ireland, Edward Walsh. Former taoiseachs Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny were among hundreds of guests expected there, alongside business leaders including Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary and entertainer Michael Flatley.
Mr Trump is due to give a speech in a marquee in the grounds of the historic property, which has been decorated with American flags. Sound checks reportedly included the Village People’s YMCA and Lee Greenwood’s God Bless The USA, his traditional walk-out song.
Security cordons have been put in place around parts of Phoenix Park, where the president will meet Mr Martin. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said peaceful protest would be facilitated as far as possible, but warned there would be “no tolerance” for public disorder or attempts to interfere with the president’s movements.
“We have robust policing plans in place and will arrest and prosecute those committing offences,” Mr Kelly said. Water cannon will be on standby, although he said he hoped they would not be required.
Some Dublin residents have criticised the scale of the operation and Mr Trump’s planned visit to Doonbeg. Taxi driver Christopher Fox said: “He’s causing mayhem in this city because he wants to go down to Doonbeg and play golf. The world’s in turmoil and this fella’s down playing golf.”
University student Mina Petrovski said Mr Trump’s “attitudes towards women, towards immigrants, towards minority communities in general are abhorrent”, adding that it was “shameful that the Irish government is welcoming him with open arms”.
The visit follows an invitation from Mr Martin when the two men met at the White House on St Patrick’s Day. Irish political leaders are expected to use the trip to maintain transatlantic relations while discussing differences over trade and foreign policy.
