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Donald Trump has said he “won’t talk about Scotland yet” when questioned on his backing of Irish unification, teasing he will “save that for another day”.
The US leader, who yesterday said he would “love to see” Northern Ireland united with the Republic, appeared to suggest he prefers another move that would break up the United Kingdom.
His remarks sparked a deluge of responses worldwide, including condemnation across British politics from Andy Burnham, Nigel Farage and others.
When asked about his comments during his trip to Ireland, Mr Trump reiterated his support for the move, arguing it felt “natural” the north and south were in one union.
He said: “That's only my opinion. And by the way, many people agree. I made what I considered to be a fairly routine comment. I have had so much support on that.
“Then they asked me about Scotland; that one I won't talk about yet.
“I'll save that for another day. They were talking about Scotland. I'll save that if you don't mind.
Mr Trump’s latest comments came as it emerged that his previous bombshell remarks had ignited a plot among separatist parties to break up the United Kingdom.
Scottish National Party leader John Swinney, Plaid Cymru chief Rhun ap Iorwerth and Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill are set to meet in Cardiff.
The trio are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding pushing for independence referendums in their respective countries.
They are meeting in their capacity as party leaders, rather than as officials in their respective governments.
Sitting beside Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin yesterday, President Trump said of Ireland: “I don't want to cause any problems, but I will tell you, I'd love to see it unified.”
“I have friends on both sides. Great people. They're Irish people. How can they be bad? Right. I'd love to see it the other way. I think it would be great.”
The US leader said unification would be “a great feather in everybody's cap” and that “it's going to happen eventually".
Turning to the Taoiseach, Mr Trump said: “We're talking about it. And you got the right man over here to get it moving.
“But, uh, yeah, I'd like it. I think it would be a fantastic thing.
“Now, the UK will have something to say about it, obviously, but I think it would be a great thing. I mean, how can it be bad?”
