Gabija Gataveckaite

US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Ireland for two days next month, flying first to Dublin for meetings with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and possibly President Catherine Connolly. He is also expected to break ground on a new US embassy in Ballsbridge before travelling to his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, to attend the Irish Open from 10 to 13 September. The visit will require extensive security arrangements and itinerary details remain under finalisation.

US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Ireland for two days in September 2026, flying first to Dublin for meetings with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and possibly President Catherine Connolly, as well as a ceremony marking the start of construction of a new US embassy. He will then travel to his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, to attend the Irish Open from 10 to 13 September. The visit is expected to require extensive security arrangements, and the itinerary remains subject to final confirmation.

The Irish government formally apologised in the Dáil for systemic failures that allowed paedophile Bill Kenneally to abuse numerous boys over decades, acknowledging missed warnings and political interference. Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed regret for the actions of two former Fianna Fáil politicians who failed to protect victims. Survivors and political leaders called for redress and swift action following a Commission of Investigation report that found serious dereliction of duty by senior gardaí. Kenneally, who died in prison in June, had admitted abuse in 1987 but was not investigated until 2012 after a victim came forward.

The Irish government issued an official apology to victims of paedophile Bill Kenneally, acknowledging failures by senior gardaí and former Fianna Fáil politicians who did not act on early knowledge of the abuse. Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the state’s response as a serious dereliction of duty, citing delays in investigating complaints despite Kenneally admitting abuse in 1987. A recent Commission of Investigation report confirmed systemic failures, while victim Jason Clancy welcomed the apology as a step toward closure.

Sinn Féin introduced legislation in the Dáil to establish a Citizens' Assembly on Irish unity and compel preparation for possible constitutional change, including a government Green Paper. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald urged immediate planning as political conditions shift in devolved governments. The Irish government plans to oppose the bill and will instead table a counter‑motion. Sinn Féin leaders, including Michelle O’Neill, gathered in Dublin in support, while Fine Gael continues work on its own unity blueprint due later in the year.

Sinn Féin introduced legislation in the Dáil to create a Citizens' Assembly on Irish unity and compel the government to prepare a Green Paper on constitutional change. The party argues that planning for a border poll is necessary and highlights growing political alignment across devolved governments. The Irish government plans to oppose the bill and will instead put forward a counter‑motion. Sinn Féin representatives, including Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, gathered in Dublin in support, while Fine Gael continues work on its own unity blueprint expected later in the year.