ONE of the more cringeworthy displays of Paddywhackery ever seen in Ireland (and God knows, we have seen enough of them) was an Irish crowd enthusiastically cheering Donald Trump as he announced an end to US tariffs on Irish whiskey.

It is an interesting insight into modern Ireland that a man whom many regard as a war criminal should be acclaimed here.

However, he had conditioned his audience earlier by saying that a united Ireland would be “a fantastic thing”.

Cue cheers from nationalists, who welcomed what most of them called his “intervention” on Irish unity.

Newton Emerson: Nationalists can’t leave London while living off London

Brian Feeney: Why one Irish granny now beats eight years of paying taxes

None appeared to recognise that he was not playing to the gallery at the Irish Open, but to the estimated 40 million Irish-Americans whose votes he needs in the forthcoming mid-term elections.

Trump was electioneering. His united Ireland comments dominated reports of his Irish visit in the American media.

So it may be somewhat optimistic to claim that Trump’s words showed a growing international support for a united Ireland. They just showed a man desperate for votes.

Despite that, Irish nationalists now apparently have the world’s most powerful leader on their side.

In return, should they now support him –........

© The Irish News