'Who are we to say no to Trump?' asks Rory McIlroy ahead of US president's visit to the Republic of Ireland - even if it is 'disruptive' for players
If Donald Trump wants to come and watch the Irish Open in person then “who are we to say no?” says Rory McIlroy – even if it is “a little disruptive” for the golfers.
The Co Down golfing legend made the remarks as the Republic of Ireland gets set to host the US president on September 12 and 13 (Saturday and Sunday).
Sinn Fein’s leader Mary Lou McDonald has declared that it is “quite correct” for people to protest against Mr Trump’s visit, and that Sinn Fein members will be among those doing so.
It is expected that Mr Trump will stay at the golf resort he owns at Doonbeg in Co Clare on the west coast of the Republic.
The course is hosting the Irish Open this year from Friday through to Sunday.
Asked about his visit, Mr McIlroy told BBC Northern Ireland: “Yeah look, it's going to be different with him being here.
"But you know we're we're here to play a golf tournament, and it's a good golf course, and keep our head down and play.”
He added: "I think the weekend, especially when he's here, you know, crowds will be limited.
"Obviously, there's a lot that goes on, so yeah, logistically it provides some challenges, absolutely.
"But at the same time, you know: he wants to come and watch the Irish Open, who are we to say no?”
And speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said of the visit: “Is it a little disruptive to play? Absolutely.
“But again, there’s protocols in place for a reason, and all we can do is follow them and abide by them.
"Whenever we are ready to play again, we put our heads down and we go and play.”
Mr Trump had singled Rory McIlroy out for praise during a White House banquet that the golfer had attended in April, saying that he had shown “unconquerable courage” on the golf course, and encouraging him to accept a standing ovation from guests.
It will be Mr Trump’s second official visit to Ireland as president, having travelled to the country for a two-day trip in June 2019.
On that occasion, he had flown into Shannon Airport and had also stayed at his Doonbeg resort.
According to RTE, the president is likely to fly in to Dublin this time, arriving early on Saturday, where it is thought he will be met by tanaiste Simon Harris.
He is then expected to meet Irish president Catherine Connolly and taoiseach Micheal Martin before heading to Doonbeg later on Saturday, where his sons Don Junior and Eric are set to join him according to the national broadcaster.
According to some reports, Mr Trump is expected to deliver an address at the US Ambassador’s Residence in Dublin’s Phoenix Park while in the city.
Back in 2019, Catherine Connolly had been among those protesting Mr Trump’s visit.
She had said at the time that it was “very important to stand in solidarity with people who think that Trump’s policies are not acceptable” – citing the US military’s use of Shannon Airport in particular.
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has cited US support for Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank as of particular concern during this presidential visit, saying: “So quite correctly there will be a protest against some of that. I would be deeply shocked if there weren't and, yes, Sinn Fein will be there."