Donald Trump will visit Ireland ‘if time allows’

There is confusion as to whether US presidential candidate Donald Trump will visit Ireland next week.

Earlier this month, he tweeted that he would visit, but the fresh release of his travel schedule suggests he will not be spending time on Irish shores next week.

Mr Trump’s spokespeople also told the Irish Examiner he had never committed to travelling here. Press tour spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said: “That I am aware of, Ireland was never in the plans. I’m not sure where that came from. We still hope to make a stop in Ireland if time allows. The details of Mr Trump’s itinerary have not been finalised.”

However, it was later reported that the visit to his golf course development in Doonbeg, Co Clare, might go ahead next Friday “if time allows”.

A group of politicians opposed to a visit by Mr Trump met last night to decide on what action to take. Anti-Austerity Alliance — People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said: “I believe the visit is in the balance, I think what we would have to do is make it clear that there would be a protest. He’s coming here for electoral purposes clearly.

“The one thing abrasive is Donald Trump. The xenophobia, sexism, racism of his politics. So we stand in solidarity with women in America, Muslims in America, the Black Lives Matter group in America.”

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said: “In one sense I’m glad, I think he wanted to use Ireland and use images of Ireland for his election campaign. In a second sense I’m disappointed, I was looking forward to protesting.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he will meet Mr Trump , despite describing his views as “racist” and “dangerous”.