US President Donald Trump may visit Ireland in a personal capacity, possibly after his three-day trip to the UK in June.
Senior sources revealed that contact has been made with the Department of Foreign Affairs, according to the Irish Times.
There has been a long-standing invitation for Mr Trump to visit Ireland, issued by then-taoiseach Enda Kenny.
Although Mr Kenny also described Mr Trump’s language as “racist and dangerous”, he invited him to visit Ireland, saying “invitations are always returned, and returned in kind”.
Current taoiseach Leo Varadkar has confirmed that invitation to President Trump still stands.
Mr Varadkar said: “The invitation that Enda Kenny made to Donald Trump stands. Donald Trump has invited me to Washington DC and he is going to invite me to his house. I think it is absolutely appropriate, it’s normal hospitality, that when somebody invites you to their front room in their house that you reciprocate with an invitation.”
He added that he would take President Trump to see the Border with Northern Ireland if he decides to visit.
President Trump has long-term investments in Ireland including his hotel and golf course in Co Clare, and mentioned during the St Patrick’s Day celebrations that he plans to make another visit.
He said: “I have a very warm spot for Doonbeg, I will tell you that. And, it’s just a great place.”
Written by Andrew Moore