Donald Trump has touched down at Dublin Airport as the US President makes a two-day visit to Ireland.
Irish premier Micheál Martin said he looks forward to welcoming Trump to Ireland and “discussing the many issues of mutual interest and reaffirming the strong economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between Ireland and the United States”.
Security operation and protests
In preparation for numerous protests planned around Trump's arrival, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said there will be “no tolerance” for public disorder or attempts to impact “critical movements” of the US president. He added that water cannons will be “on standby” but said he hoped they would not be needed.
Garda officers and members of the Irish Defence Force have been pictured sweeping across the course at the Amgen Irish Open, at Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg, ahead of the president's visit.
Arrival in Dublin
The old Air Force One landed at Dublin Airport at around 8.20am, closely followed by the new Air Force One gifted to Trump from Qatar. Trump travelled on the larger, second plane, and was greeted by Ireland’s deputy premier Simon Harris at Dublin Airport. A red carpet was prepared as he disembarked.
The 47th President of the United States will take part in engagements in Dublin as well as at his golf resort in Doonbeg, Co Clare, which is hosting the Irish Open.
Schedule and disruptions
Trump has left Dublin Airport and is heading to Áras an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park, the official residence of the Irish President. There will be an arrival ceremony before Trump holds a call with President Catherine Connolly. He is also expected to meet with Martin at the Farmleigh Estate.
The visit will cause significant disruption and road closures around Dublin Airport and across the capital as well as in Co Clare and Shannon Airport, which will also be used by Trump.
Trump's son Eric said he is used to 'political nonsense' and warned that his father is 'willing to go head to head with anyone'. He said: “Honestly, I leave it to them. I have seen so much political nonsense over the last 12 years where one day two people hate each other and the next day the two people are hugging.”
