WHAT MEN MOST LIKELY TO BE NEXT TAOISEACH SAID ABOUT A TRUMP VISIT

LEO VARADKAR

THE Social Protection Minister previously said he ‘wouldn’t be keen’ on inviting Donald Trump here. He said the decision rested with Enda Kenny but added: ‘I wouldn’t. I am not sure what purpose it would serve.’ But last night he mellowed his tone, saying: ‘The Taoiseach’s invitation stands. Ireland has deep ties with the US, regardless of who is president or taoiseach.’ He added: ‘True friends should speak truth to each other... so I think we should engage with President Trump, his administration and present clearly our values and our priorities.’

SIMON COVENEY

THE Housing Minister has been welcoming of a potential visit in his previous statements. When asked last November, he responded: ‘Of course I would. I think we should always welcome a US leader to Ireland.

‘As I say, the relationship between Ireland and the US is arguably a more special relationship than the US has with any other country.

‘That is valuable, it needs to be maintained, and that will certainly happen and this Government will work towards ensuring that it happens.’

A spokesman did not respond to queries yesterday about whether Mr Coveney’s view has changed.

MICHEÁL MARTIN:

THE Fianna Fáil leader has been scathing about so of Mr Trump’s policies but a spokesman did not respond to queries yesterday. In December 2015, he told the Dáil: ‘I take it the Government will not lay out the red carpet for the disgraceful and inflammatory remarks Mr Trump made... about banning Muslims.’ And last year, he said: ‘It is not acceptable for democrats to speak in the way Donald Trump has about various religions and ethnic groups and about building walls. It sets an appalling example for how the free world should speak.’