Former US president Donald Trump said that he has “been treated well” in Ireland as he started the first day of his whistle stop trip to Clare.
The 76-year-old, who is currently facing 34 felony charges over alleged hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, will return to the US on Thursday evening following a 24-hour stop off.
The former US President reportedly had to cancel an earlier trip last month because he was indicted by a New York court over the payments to Ms Daniels.
READ MORE: Former US president Donald Trump arrives in Ireland for whistle-stop tour of Clare hotel
The main piece of business on Wednesday's agenda was a meeting with locals concerned about sand dunes on the resort being decimated by storm damage if anti-erosion sea walls are not urgently installed.
The Doughmore Coastal Protection Group pleaded with the ex-POTUS to help save the resort dunes from extreme storms and climate change.
Planning authorities have refused permission for the sea walls and last night Liam Ryan, one of the group’s spokespeople, called on the Government to “wake up” and allow planning.
When he arrived at the hotel after 8pm, Mr Trump was asked by reporters about Ireland’s lucrative corporate tax rates luring American businesses away from the US.
He said that like himself, US businesses have always been treated well in Ireland and had been “lured” to the county.
He was asked by reporters if he would prefer to see that tax paid in the US.
"I won't answer that question in your country, a lot of people would say yes. But Ireland has done a good job, you've lured a lot of companies in.
"They love it here, they really love it here.
"They've been treated well just like I've been treated well.
"This has been a great success".
He said that his luxury hotel had revitalised the small west coast Clare town, and that “people are happy”.
He also hailed his Doonbeg golf course as one of the best in the world.
"We bought this, it was a great property but it had to be finished and we have really completed it.
“It's beautiful and now we'll do some additions.
"The course is one of the best courses in the world actually, one of the best courses with some of the most beautiful dunes in the world."
While at the hotel, he was also quizzed on Brexit, which he described as a “tough one”.
His trip came just weeks after US President Joe Biden’s trip to Ireland. However, Mr Trump said that he “did not see much of his visit"
Mr Trump arrived at the five star resort just after 8pm and was greeted by staff and the “Hell For Leather dance troupe”.
Mr Trump arrived at Shannon Airport shortly before 6:30pm in a Boeing 757 duped “Trump Force One”. Another smaller private jet accompanied the plane.
While it was expected that the ex-POTUS and his delegation, including his son Eric, would leave the airport by helicopter, the west coast wind put an end to this plan..
Security was tight at the usually quiet Shannon Airport, with both Secret Service agents and gardaí monitoring activity around the vicinity.
There were several members of the Armed Support Unit present, as a constant stream of garda cars and motorbikes patrolled the area in the run-up to the arrival.
Excitement was building around Clare from early on Wednesday morning as several US flags and Irish flags lined the road up to the country hotel. While there was not a heavy garda presence around Doonbeg before lunchtime, the operation increased drastically just before 3pm, with dozens of gardaí monitoring the area.
One source told the Irish Mirror that the hotel was in “effective” lockdown, with security told to check a list of names before letting people onto the property.
Staff were observed by the Irish Mirror hanging up American flags around the courtyard, as poles were given a final lick of gold and black paint.
Mr Trump will play a round of golf at the hotel tomorrow morning, before heading back Stateside.
The former President has been shrouded in controversy since being defeated by Joe Biden in 2020.
He is currently facing 34 felony charges over alleged hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniel. His financial affairs are also being investigated.
Mr Trump bought the Doonbeg golf resort in 2014 for €15m.
He now employs over 300 people and is highly regarded in the small west Clare community.
Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney said yesterday [weds] that Mr Trump’s investment in the town has to be considered when concerns about his presence are being raised.
He said: "I think people in Doonbeg recognise the investment the Trump family have made in the resort there. It's been emphasised this trip is a private visit, and I think we should respect that."
Tommy Tubridy, proprietor of the local Tubridy’s bar in the village, was one of the businesspeople who met with Mr Trump last night.
He spoke to the Irish Mirror yesterday, he said: “The golf course is great for the village, we welcome Mr Trump and all the jobs he provides for our young people.”
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