Ireland’s president, Catherine Connolly, has called Donald Trump abhorrent and an abuser of power. In his sole previous comment on Connolly, the US president seemed to think she was a man. Now that they are about to meet, Ireland is holding its breath.
Trump is to fly into Dublin on Saturday morning for a two-day visit centred on golf. But before making it to his beloved greens, protocol obliges him to meet a woman who has given every impression of loathing him. A courtesy call to Áras an Uachtaráin, the Irish president’s official residence and workplace in the city’s Phoenix Park, has left the government anxious and the media reaching for popcorn.
Many in Ireland are rooting for Connolly to let rip at Trump for his policies and rhetoric on immigrants and the Middle East. Others hope she will stifle any criticisms to avoid provoking a visitor who could upend Ireland’s economy. The taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said he had no concerns “at all” about the encounter, but one senior official said the government was on tenterhooks.
We’ll breathe easier after,” they said. Before winning the Irish presidency – a ceremonial post – last year, Connolly was an independent leftwing member of parliament for Galway who protested against Trump’s 2019 visit and more recently assailed him over his positions and policies on Gaza, Iran and other issues. Asked in March about the criticism, Trump replied: “He’s lucky I exist.” Trump is now to meet Connolly – and Martin in a separate meeting – before heading to his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, which is hosting the Irish Open.
Heavy security around the Phoenix Park and Doonbeg will insulate the US president from protests, including a “No welcome for Trump” demonstration that is expected to draw thousands to central Dublin on Saturday afternoon. Some hope Connolly will speak for them when she meets Trump behind closed doors. He is like a mad king that has destroyed the country.” Leftwing parties that supported Connolly’s presidential run urged the former barrister to “find a way” to convey criticism without causing a diplomatic storm.
Trump has expressed affection for the emerald isle but also wants American tech and pharmaceutical firms to move jobs and taxes from Ireland to the US, a scenario that could devastate Irish state finances. During her election campaign, Connolly promised to heed constraints of the office, which is largely symbolic and has no responsibility for foreign policy. She also said that if asked, she would meet Trump.
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