Barack Obama's Irish cousin has said he would not accept an invitation from Donald Trump to Doonbeg for golf or lunch when the former US President visits here next month.
Henry Healy is a relative of the 44th President of the United States, President Obama.
The Irish Mirror asked what he thought about the pending return of Mr Trump to Ireland next month, especially considering the recent FBI raid on his Mar-a-Lago home.
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And we asked whether he would accept an invite from The Donald to join him in Doonbeg.
He said bluntly: “I wouldn’t be hungry and I don’t play golf.”
Mr Healy did stress that Mr Trump should still be welcomed to Ireland, as all former US Presidents should be.
The Obama cousin was speaking to the Mirror as we surveyed opinions of some well-known figures who have connections to the White House or Doonbeg on Mr Trump’s visit.
The Mirror first revealed two weeks ago that Mr Trump is planning a high profile visit to Ireland again next month, with a visit to Doonbeg central to his schedule.
Mr Healy added: “He is a former President of the United States and so he should be afforded the dignity, courtesy and respect that that office deserves.
“He has also provided valuable employment in a rural area of Clare through his investment in the Doonbeg golf club and we should be aware of that.”
Senator Timmy Dooley is from Clare, representing the constituency where Doonbeg is based.
He told the Mirror he strongly disagrees with Mr Trump’s politics.
He said: “I’ve no truck with what he has done.
“I’ve no time for him, he was bad for America, he was bad for society, he was bad for the world.
“He needs to separate his politics from his business when he’s here.”
But Mr Dooley wanted to point out that Mr Trump the businessman could be separated from Mr Trump the politician.
He added: “However, he has been good for this region, he bought a distressed asset, has invested in it and provided employment.
“That said, he’s making a good return on his investment because the people here in Clare work hard for him and have helped deliver a world class product.
“Trump just needs to keep his politics out of it when he comes to Clare.”
Senator Erin McGreehan is from County Louth, one of the ancestral homes of President Joe Biden’s forefathers.
She was a member of the Irish for Biden campaign group that supported Mr Biden in his election bid in November 2020.
She said she has no time for Mr Trump personally either.
She said: “Personally, I have no interest in Donald Trump's visit to Ireland.
“I would rather him not here as he in my opinion has added to so much civil unrest, fake news and the growth anti democratic concepts.
“Not only in the United States but globally.”
Ms McGreehan added: “However, this is an open free country, the man is permitted to come, people are permitted to welcome him.
“I am permitted to disagree with them.
“I hope his visit goes off nice and quietly and with no controversy.”
Another politician from Clare, independent TD Michael McNamara, was more welcoming of Mr Trump.
He told the Mirror: “Everybody should be equal before the law.
“Trump should not be above the law but neither should he be treated any less favourably.
“Before his election, Trump International bought a major employer in West Clare when it was in receivership and which, thanks to his family firm's investment, continues to be a major employer.
“It is particularly important due to the lack of state investment in that area. For example there are two villages nearby which have not even had sewerage systems installed in the first century of this state's existence.
“This obviously, is a major hindrance to economic development.
“People don’t want to have to leave to move to the east coast for a job and put further pressure on already scarce housing resources.
“They want to be able to live and work locally.
“He's no longer President and regardless of what you think of his political record, Trump International provides employment.
“The least he's entitled to do is visit the hotel and golf course that provides that employment. “And I'm sure he'll get a warm welcome from many, but obviously not all.”
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