The Tánaiste has said the Irish Government must respect the office of the US President.

Simon Coveney was speaking after a number of opposition parties said they would protest against President Donald Trump when he lands in Ireland in November.

It emerged yesterday that two junior Government ministers, Finian McGrath and John Halligan, are also aiming to join the demonstrations.

Speaking to RedFM this morning, Minister Coveney admitted that President Trump is a controversial figure who divides opinion.

He insisted however, that the US president will always be welcome in Ireland.

“The relationship between Ireland and the US goes way beyond the individual personalities of US Presidents – or Taoisigh in Ireland for that matter,” he said.

“So when a US President asks to come to Ireland, we will facilitate that - of course we will.

“That doesn’t mean though that we endorse the policies of an individual president, in this case President Trump.”

Protests

Yesterday Minister Finian McGrath told the Sunday Independent he would "not roll out the red carpet" for a man whose policies he said are "causing major problems in the world, especially around equality and immigration".

Minister John Halligan, meanwhile, described the US President as "dangerous and divisive."

The Green Party, Labour Party and People Before Profit have all called for demonstrations against the visit.

Respect

Minister Coveney said he has no issue with anyone protesting – provided the office of the US President is respected.

“When President Trump comes to Ireland, I am sure they will be some protests highlighting concerns and issues that Irish people have,” he said.

“I certainly have no problem with that. That is part of a very healthy democracy.

“President Trump is a controversial president. He does divide opinion, he does attract protest when he travels outside of the US and I am sure that is not unexpected from their perspective.”

President Trump will visit Ireland as part of a European tour that will also see him take in the centenary Armistice Day commemorations in Paris.