PA Wire PA Wire

ENDA KENNY BELIEVES comments made by the Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump are both “racist and dangerous”.

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, the Taoiseach said:

If Donald Trump’s comments are racist and dangerous – which they are – there is an alternative to vote for.

Kenny was being questioned by Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin and Anti-Austerity People Before Profit’s Richard Boyd Barrett about what the government’s intentions are if Trump is elected as president. 

Barrett asked if the government would continue to facilitate the US military using Shannon Airport if Trump is the next president.

Initially, the Taoiseach would not be drawn on the issue.

He said he could not presume to determine who would be the successful candidate ahead of the November poll.

Kenny said the decision of who would be the next president of the US is a “matter for the American people”.

The world will have to deal with their decision.

He also said he disagreed with Hillary Clinton’s decision in relation to blocking Norwegian Air International (NIA) a permit to launch flights between Cork and Boston.

Clinton opposed NIA being granted a foreign carrier’s permit that would see the first trans-atlantic flights departing from Cork Airport.

Martin said it was important for the Irish government to be clear on its stance on some of the comments made by Trump, describing some of what has been articulated by the candidate as “worrying”.

It is “not appropriate” for Trump to speak in such a manner, he continued, saying it “sets an appalling example”.

“… We have to articulate that very clearly.”

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