Ireland prime minister says protests are ‘allowed’ and ‘welcome’ for Trump’s visit

Ireland’s prime minister said President Trump will be welcomed to the country when he visits next month, but so will protests against his visit.

Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s taoiseach, said Thursday that protest “is allowed and is welcome” when Trump makes his first visit to Ireland as president in June for an event in Dublin, according to the Irish Times.

{mosads}“I’d say to them, this is a democracy and peaceful protest is part of democracy,” Varadkar said when asked what he would say to citizens planning protests for Trump’s visit. “And I would certainly never criticize anyone for taking part in a protest if that’s the way they wish to express their views.”

Trump is expected to arrive in Ireland on June 5 for his first visit since taking office. Ireland will be a middle stop between three days in the United Kingdom and before traveling to Normandy to commemorate a World War II battle site.

Varadkar noted that Trump is welcome in the country during his trip.

“But you know, as has been the case always in the past, the president of the United States is welcome in Ireland,” he said. “And I believe it’s important that we should respect the office even if people have particular views about the current incumbent.”

The Irish Times reported that Irish officials are currently trying to organize a meeting between Trump and Varadkar.

Trump’s original visit to Ireland scheduled for last November was canceled, though no reason was given. Protests were also expected if that visit occurred.

Trump is expected to use his golf resort in Ireland as a base during his stay.