IAUC Welcomes President Trump’s Call for Irish Unification

September 12, 2026…The Irish American Unity Conference applauds President Trump’s endorsement of Irish Unification. At today’s joint press conference with Irish Taoiseach Michael Martin, the President said that he would love to see Ireland united. We agree with the President’s statement that unification would be “fantastic.”

Equally important, the President strongly urged the Irish Government to advance unification now. Gesturing toward the Taoiseach, Trump said that Martin was “the right man over here to get it moving.” The IAUC has long advocated that the Irish Government must plan for unification by holding forums to provide information and encourage discussion. So far, Taoiseach Martin has rejected all such suggestions, going so far last month to say that he “goes bananas” when his own party members talk of unity. We encourage the Taoiseach to reflect on that statement in light of the President’s direct comments.

It is imperative that the Irish Government prepare, without further delay, a thoughtful program for facilitating discussion and soliciting the views of the public regarding unification. In July, the Dail passed a resolution calling for the Government to establish all-island Citizens’ Assemblies to facilitate informed debate; establish a Joint Óíreachtas Committee to help plan for Irish Unity; produce and publish a plan towards Irish Unity; engage with northern Protestant and Unionist opinion about the future of Ireland; and secure a date for the referendum mandated by the Good Friday Agreement.

After hearing the President’s comments, SDLP leader Claire Hannah said that “a new Ireland isn’t just on the table, it’s on the move,” offering a subtle rebuke to UK Prime Minister Andrew Burnham’s recent comment that a Border poll is “off the table.” Consonant with the Irish Government’s responsibility to take the lead in preparing for a unity referendum, Taoiseach Martin should now seize this historic moment now to engage with the British Government and work with Prime Minister Burnham and President Trump to “get it moving.”