Should Trump Be Welcomed, Or Are We Too Afraid Of The Mob? Episode 805

In this episode, Niall is joined by election candidate and podcaster Nick Delehanty to discuss Donald Trump’s proposed visit to Ireland for the Irish Open at Doonbeg this September.

Trump’s possible arrival has already divided opinion. Sinn Féin TD Louise O’Reilly has said she is more likely to be with the protesters than welcoming him, pointing to objections over his relationship with Israel. Cian O’Callaghan TD, from the Social Democrats, has described Trump as “the worst possible representation of the States” and predicted large protests if he comes.

But is this really about principle, or political theatre? Niall and Nick ask whether Ireland should protest the visit of a sitting US President, or whether the country should recognise the importance of the Irish American relationship, tourism, diplomacy, and American investment in Ireland. With US companies employing hundreds of thousands of people here, should Ireland be careful about how it treats one of its most powerful international partners?

Should Trump’s visit be opposed because of his politics, foreign policy and polarising public image? Or should Ireland welcome him respectfully, even if many strongly disagree with him?

Will the streets be filled with protesters, or will it be a handful of activists with angry placards? And should this be treated as an official state visit, or simply a private visit to a golf tournament?