DONALD Trump’s comments on a united Ireland are embarrassing for the DUP, despite the denials of leader Gavin Robinson.

Senior party figures have portrayed the US President as a friend and ally. Now they look ridiculous, even to people who did not find this ridiculous in the first place.

Unionist voters will be reminded of all this less than two months before next year’s Assembly and council elections, when the DUP faces an excruciating trip to Washington for St Patrick’s Day.

It was the only Executive party to attend last year and it was probably correct that it was better to represent Northern Ireland than to stage a pompous huff.

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But that argument will also apply next year, when the DUP will either have to admit it is too embarrassed to attend, or turn up to be humiliated as Trump repeats his united Ireland comments, egged on by the world’s press.

The president’s remarks last week have been blamed on falling out with London over the Iran war.

However, during last year’s St Patrick’s reception, Trump addressed Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly and to laughter from the audience said “I don’t know if I should be promoting a merger. I love mergers.”

‘Merger’ was the word he used last week. The president clearly sees this as a quip he needs no excuse to enjoy.

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The UUP has voted twice at Stormont to ban so-called gay conversion therapy but it has decided it cannot support the ban proposed by Alliance deputy leader Eoin Tennyson, due to what is sees as flaws in his legislation.

The DUP and TUV are firmly opposed, while Mr Tennyson has the backing of every other party, so unionists can only block his Bill with a petition of concern.

© The Irish News