US President Donald Trump has defended his comments regarding his support of a united Ireland, saying he "loved them".
Mr Trump spoke to reporters as he headed towards the first tee on his golf resort in Doonbeg, during the second day of his second visit to Ireland, where he appeared to double down on these comments.
Earlier, he had replied to a question from a reporter by claiming that he would "love to see" a unified Ireland, and added "It's going to happen eventually".
On the possible diplomatic row sparked by his remarks, Trump said: "I loved them".
When asked about the potential backlash, Trump said: "I love my comments".
The president did not make any further comments regarding any timeline for Irish unity. He also did not address a separate question on Scottish independence.
Saying that it was "great" to be in in Doonbeg, adding: "I love the Irish people".
On Trump's comments on Irish unity, Micheál Martin tried to downplay them, while adding that he was not particularly surprised as it was not the first time that he had mentioned it.
"He believes unity is the logical way for the island to be configured," he said. "I think some of the reaction is an overreaction. It shouldn't be a surprise he takes a different sort of perspective on things".
The Taoiseach also said that he had discussed Northern Ireland during a lunch with Mr Trump, but insisted that this meeting was not a political one. He also hinted that the US President's comments would not be at the top of the agenda when he meets British Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the end of next week.
Mr Trump's comments on a united Ireland have been criticised, with British Shadow Foreign Secretary, Tom Tugendhat branding them as "unhelpful".
Meanwhile, Britain's Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner played down the US President's comments, saying: "Donald Trump is Donald Trump". (All quotes according to RTÉ).
This comes after Donald Trump had previously said that his decision to remove tariffs on Irish whiskey will only apply to Ireland, and not the EU. More on this here.
