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President Trump’s Irish Merger Comment Just Banter Says Little-Pengelly

Emma Little-Pengelly said Trump's Irish merger comment was banter and highlighted the visit's focus on raising Northern Ireland's profile and fostering long-term US partnerships.

  • On Tuesday, President Donald Trump suggested an Irish merger during the Friends of Ireland Luncheon, a remark First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly dismissed as "just banter."
  • Addressing Little-Pengelly and Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Trump joked, "I don't know if I should be promoting merger, I love mergers," adding, "We're going to get into more trouble with that than the beauty."
  • Emphasizing long-term relationship value, Little-Pengelly stated the Washington engagement is "incredibly important" for Northern Ireland's economy, noting business deals require years of relationship building.
  • First Minister Michelle, Naomi Long, and Claire Hanna declined to attend the White House event, citing opposition to policy in America regarding Gaza.
  • During a breakfast event, Sir Christian Turner praised Northern Ireland's "vibrancy" and "transformation," characterizing it as a key investment engine and highlighting the strength of the bilateral relationship with America.
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President Trump’s Irish merger comment just banter, Little-Pengelly says

Northern Ireland deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly met the president during a host of engagements in the US this week.

·London, United Kingdom
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Sky News UK broke the news in United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
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