Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he has “no intention” of apologising for previously calling US President-elect Donald Trump a “gowl”, and says he does not think such remarks will damage Ireland-US relations.
Speaking to reporters in Dublin on the campaign trail of the upcoming Irish general election, the Taoiseach said that elections were about “policies”, “debate” and “ideas.”
“It should never be personal…We’re having a debate around ideas and policies, and I hope we’re having a respectful debate.”
When it was put to him that he himself had previously said he would call Donald Trump a “gowl” if he lost the 2020 US presidential election, Harris said he had “no intention” of apologising for the remark.
“I think those comments were made a number of years ago, in what I believe was a light-hearted interview,” he said.
“[I think I was asked] would I call somebody a “gowl” if they lost the election – I can’t quite remember the full context.”
He added: “I don’t think Donald Trump apologises for the very strong rhetoric and comments that he makes, and I have no intention of doing that either.”
The Taoiseach went on to say that President-elect Trump is “the democratically elected president of the United States”, and that “the people of the United States have spoken clearly as to who they wish to be their president.”
“Regardless of my political views or anyone else’s, that is the decision of the American people,” he said.
“I reached out to President Trump upon his election to congratulate him, and I had a very good conversation—about 20 minutes—with him just the other day. The Irish government, should I be part of it, and I would imagine any Irish government, will continue to work with the U.S. administration. We have a history in this country of working with administrations of different political hues, and I am sure that will continue.”
Asked if he thought the comments could damage Ireland-US relations, the Taoiseach laughed.
“I had a very warm conversation with him,” Harris said.
“I think he understands the rough and tumble of politics. He is the democratically elected president-elect of the United States, and I wish him well.”