US President Donald Trump stated he would "love to see a united Ireland" during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin. The comments came during Trump's two-day visit to the country, which also included a courtesy call with Irish President Catherine Connolly and a visit to the Amgen Irish Open golf tournament in County Clare.

Trump's remarks on Irish unification have drawn attention as the political landscape surrounding Northern Ireland's constitutional future remains a subject of ongoing debate. The Good Friday Agreement outlines conditions under which a border poll could be held if a majority in Northern Ireland appears likely to vote for unification.

During his meeting with Taoiseach Martin at Farmleigh House, Trump described a united Ireland as a "fantastic thing" and suggested that the Irish Prime Minister was the "right man over here to get it moving." He acknowledged that the UK would have a say in the matter but questioned how it could be a negative outcome.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach's office indicated that Trump's comments were not surprising, highlighting the US president's consistent view that Irish unity is an "optimal outcome." Meanwhile, more than 10,000 people reportedly marched through Dublin to protest the US president's visit.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's office reiterated adherence to the Good Friday Agreement, stating that the timing of a border poll depends on clear consensus and a shift in public opinion in Northern Ireland. Burnham had previously ruled out calling a referendum, deeming it "off the table."

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald acknowledged Trump's comments and urged the Taoiseach to commence planning for unity. Conversely, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson emphasized that Northern Ireland's constitutional future would be decided by its people, not by external commentary from London, Dublin, or Washington.

Former DUP MP Ian Paisley, a personal acquaintance of Trump, commented that "everyone is allowed a personal opinion even when it's wrong." The leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), Claire Hanna, found it "extraordinary" that Trump spoke so openly about Irish unity while in Dublin, suggesting that its growing consideration is evident.

The circumstances and timing for a potential border poll remain a focal point of discussion in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with recent statements from both Martin and Burnham indicating differing perspectives on the clarity and readiness for such a vote.