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US Congressman urges Donald Trump to 'stop embarrassing us' after president refers to Ireland as part of the UK

July 14, 2018

A US Congressman has called on Donald Trump to "stop embarrassing us on the international stage" after he referred to Ireland as part of the UK.

President Trump, who arrived in Britain for a four-day trip on Thursday, made the gaffe during an interview in which he insisted that he was popular despite planned protests.

"There might be protests. But I believe that the people in the UK - Scotland, Ireland, as you know I have property in Ireland, I have property all over - I think that those people they like me a lot.

"And they agree with me on immigration, and I think that's why you have Brexit in the first place," he said.

In a tweet, Brendan Boyle, a Democratic congressman from Pennsylvania, reminded the US President that Ireland has "been an independent country for about 100 years."

He said: "Dear @realDonaldTrump - Ireland is not part of the UK. It's been an independent country for about 100 years. It was kind of a big deal.

"Please stop embarrassing us on the international stage. Thanks."

President Trump owns a golf course in Doonbeg, Co Clare, which he bought in 2014.

On the campaign trail in 2016, he said of Trump Doonbeg: "It is an incredible place. ...but I don't care about that stuff anymore. It is like small potatoes."

In March, Mr. Trump described the Irish as "truly wonderful people" and said he would visit Ireland, indicating that a trip could take place next year.

DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley previously said Mr. Trump will accept his invitation to visit Royal Portrush for the Open golf championship in July 2019.