Trump's Merger Comment Deemed a Joke by Deputy First Minister
The deputy first minister has stated that a remark made by President Trump, in which he appeared to joke about Irish reunification, should not be interpreted seriously.
During an event at the US Capitol on Monday, the US president referred to a "merger" in light of the friendly relationship between Emma Little-Pengelly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
"They get along so well, I saw that you get along very well together, it's the way it's supposed to be. I don't know if I should be promoting merger, I love mergers," Trump said.
Little-Pengelly described the comment as characteristic of the president's style of speech.
When asked if Trump's remarks indicated support for Irish reunification, Little-Pengelly responded:
"If you are trying to take that from a bit of a joke by the president, that is really grasping at straws."
She emphasized it was "clearly a joke," adding:
"I think a good thing about this is that it shows that he knows about Northern Ireland. He knows about the context of that. He feels comfortable enough to be making that type of joke."
Trump's Criticism of the UK
Regarding Trump's recent criticism of the UK, particularly his comments branding British soldiers fighting in Afghanistan as cowards, the deputy first minister stated:
"There are many views of the president that I'm not going to agree with."
She continued:
"That is the case for every president. There are things that he says that have caused hurt and offence."
Little-Pengelly acknowledged Trump's position as a democratic leader:
"He is a democratic leader, appointed president, elected president of the US. And of course, that is to be respected as well. You know, it's not up to us to be telling other places about who they should and shouldn't elect."
Meeting with President Trump on St Patrick's Day
Little-Pengelly met with Trump at the White House on St Patrick's Day.
She described the meeting as:
"A really good opportunity to make sure that Northern Ireland was on his radar in a positive way."
She explained:
"I outlined to him why I am here this week, why Northern Ireland is here this week, represented by so many people."
She added:
"I think it was the first time that Northern Ireland's actually had a scheduled, published meeting with the president of the United States."
Little-Pengelly stressed the importance of the visit:
"It's important for us to be here, to be speaking up for Northern Ireland, to be championing Northern Ireland."
First Minister Michelle O'Neill's Absence from Washington
The First Minister and Sinn Féin leader Michelle O'Neill has not traveled to Washington this year, as her party is boycotting the St Patrick's Day events due to the US administration's policies concerning the conflict in Gaza.
Addressing this, Little-Pengelly said:
"There is agreement that I come here officially as the deputy first minister. My role as deputy first minister is a joint role with the first minister."
She reflected on her approach since assuming the post:
"When I took up this post just a couple of years ago, I had a determination that I would take every opportunity to turn up and to show up and to champion Northern Ireland."
She concluded:
"We're here being ambassadors for Northern Ireland, champions of Northern Ireland, because that's the way to build a better future for everyone from all communities in Northern Ireland."
