Donald Trump lifts tariffs on Irish whiskey as curtain falls on controversy-fuelled Ireland visit

Donald Trump has lifted tariffs on Irish whiskey as his controversy-fuelled two-day visit to Ireland came to a close.

The President made the shock announcement on the 18th green during the prizewinning ceremony at the Amgen Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf resort in Co Clare.

Mr Trump, a teetotaler, said he had discussed the tariffs with Taoiseach Micheal Martin and golfer Shane Lowry - whom he presented the winning trophy.

He told a cheering crowd: "Everybody's been bugging me.

"They are saying would you do me a favour? It’s so unfair what’s going on.

"Could you possibly take the tariffs off of Irish whiskey and I said, on behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off Irish whiskey."

Whiskey made in the Republic of Ireland is subject to a 10 per cent tariff as a European Union export.

The President made a similar agreement to lift tariffs on Scottish whisky after King Charles visited the US on a four-day state visit in April to commemorate the country's 250th anniversary.

The Irish Whiskey Association said it "heartily welcomes" the announcement, stating: "We will continue to work with our EU and US counterparts to secure a return to the zero-for-zero arrangement for all drinks exports."

Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris said it was a "welcome announcement of economic significance".

He added: "This announcement coupled with the very significant and positive tourism exposure generated in recent days for our country has made this a consequential visit and a reminder of the importance of the economic relationship between Ireland and the US."

Mr Trump's announcement, however, was not the major takeaway from his two-day visit to Ireland as he backed calls for unification.

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On Saturday, he told reporters he would "love to see" a united Ireland, adding that it was "going to happen eventually".

The following day, he doubled down on his inflammatory remarks, despite the ensuing diplomatic row which has threatened to dissolve the UK entirely.

When asked about his comments and the backlash the previous day, he said: "I loved them."

After being pressed on the subject further, he added: "I have always loved the people of Ireland and it just seems to me that you have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland and it would seem to me that one of the naturals of all time is put them together.

"That's only my opinion. Many people agree. I made what I considered to be a fairly routine comment, I have had so much support on that."

The President also said he would "say nothing" about Scottish independence and would "save that for another day".

Taoiseach Mr Martin said Mr Trump's comments on Irish unity were "not a particular surprise", but felt some reaction is an overreaction".

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney, Plaid Cymru chief Rhun ap Iorwerth and Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill are set to meet in Cardiff will meet today and are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding pushing for independence referendums and are likely to be bolstered by the President's intervention.

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