Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has dismissed US President Donald Trump's suggestion of an Irish merger as 'just banter'. The comment came during Trump's address to the annual Speakers' Friends of Ireland Luncheon at Capitol Hill on Tuesday.
Speaking at the British ambassador's St Patrick's Day breakfast on Wednesday, Little-Pengelly said it was clear the remark was a joke. 'It's absolutely just a bit of banter, anybody who watches his speeches knows that he highlights people in the room and has a bit of banter with them, it's very much his style,' she said.
Little-Pengelly described her visit to Washington DC as 'hugely positive', during which she met Trump at the luncheon and also had a meeting with him at the White House. She stressed the importance of Northern Ireland being present and championing its interests.
The deputy First Minister acknowledged that she often disagrees with Trump on various issues, but emphasised her role in promoting Northern Ireland. She noted that the recognition of Northern Ireland in speeches and engagements was a positive indication of the region's visibility.
When asked about First Minister Michelle O'Neill's absence from the White House due to US policy on Gaza, Little-Pengelly said it had not been mentioned in her engagements. Alliance leader Naomi Long and SDLP leader Claire Hanna also stayed away.
Little-Pengelly concluded that it was important for her to attend events to ensure Northern Ireland's interests were represented, adding that she was proud to be an ambassador for the region.
