Locals in Doonbeg say they’re prepared to roll out a “céad míle fáilte” for Donald Trump when he visits the West Clare village.
The US President has announced that he intends to visit Ireland this year, a visit which is expected to see him come to his luxury golf resort
Vice President Mike Pence is also set to arrive, as Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry reports.
Warm words from US President Donald Trump yesterday, during his meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the White House.
President Trump was originally slated to come to Ireland in November last, to include a stop-off in Doonbeg, but that visit was eventually called off.
Now, the gears are in motion for the trip once again and it’s receiving a broad welcome in the Long Village.
Tommy Comerford of the Doonbeg Development Association says even though he may be controversial in some circles, the economic impact of a Trump visit here can’t be ignored.
President Trump’s comments yesterday, in singling out Doonbeg, is also expected to see a surge of interest in his luxury resort in West Clare.
General Manager of Trump International Doonbeg Joe Russell says if last year is anything to go by, the phones will be hopping this weekend.
The visit will not be without its issues though – People Before Profit has already suggested mass protests will be held, while Labour Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has labelled Trump “a hate-monger-in-chief” and says anti-racism protests would be encouraged.
An official date for the visit has yet to be announced.
