Donald Trump’s two-day visit to Ireland has begun after the US president landed in Dublin amid one of the largest security operations ever mounted by the Irish police service.
Mr Trump was met at Dublin Airport by Ireland’s deputy premier, Simon Harris. He is due to meet President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park before holding talks with Premier Micheál Martin at the nearby Farmleigh Estate.
Mr Martin said he was looking forward to welcoming the president and discussing “the many issues of mutual interest”, while reaffirming the “strong economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between Ireland and the United States”.
The Irish premier also linked the visit to a prominent sporting weekend, with Mr Trump later travelling to his golf resort at Doonbeg in Co Clare, where the Irish Open is being held.
He said the tournament would be “a fitting conclusion to an outstanding season of sport” and expressed hope that an Irish player would lift the trophy on Sunday.
Before Mr Trump’s arrival, former Irish premiers Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny were among hundreds of guests expected at the residence of the US ambassador to Ireland, Edward Walsh.
Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary and entertainer Michael Flatley were also expected to attend a speech by Mr Trump in a marquee at Deerfield, a historic property in Phoenix Park decorated with American flags.
Sound checks included the Village People’s YMCA and Lee Greenwood’s God Bless The USA, Mr Trump’s traditional walk-out song.
Several protests have been planned during the visit. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said peaceful demonstrations would be facilitated as far as possible, but warned there would be “no tolerance” for public disorder or attempts to disrupt the president’s “critical movements”.
“We have robust policing plans in place and will arrest and prosecute those committing offences,” he said, adding that water cannon would be “on standby”, although he hoped they would not be required.
