President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One on his way to Ireland. Angela Rayner has hit back at Donald Trump after he said he would “love” to see a united Ireland. Speaking during a visit to Dublin, the US president said “it would be a great thing” if Northern Ireland was no longer part of the United Kingdom. He said: “I’d love to see it unified. I have friends on both sides. I’d love to see it unified. I think it would be a great feather in everybody’s cap if that happened. It’s going to happen eventually. “The way I look at it, it’s going to happen eventually [so] it might as well happen now. “I think it would be a fantastic thing. The UK will have something to say about it, obviously, but I think it would be a great thing. How can it be bad?” His comments supporting a united Ireland are the most explicit by a sitting US president. Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, a referendum on Irish unity can only take place if the Northern Ireland Secretary believes there is clear support from voters for the move. Asked about Trump’s comments on Sky News this morning, housing secretary Rayner attempted to defuse the row by playing down their significance. She said: “Donald Trump is Donald Trump and the president will say and speak his mind as he sees it. But look, we’re really serious about the Good Friday Agreement. We’re very proud of our history.” Rayner added: “President Trump will say whatever is on his mind. But I’m sure our prime minister also, you know, has conversations. And I’m sure he reiterated our position, which is that we support the good work of the Good Friday Agreement.” Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster. Related... Donald Trump Triggers Fresh US-UK Row By Saying He'd 'Love' To See United Ireland Trump Gives Middle East Update: 'Everything's Going To Work Out Fine And Dandy' Trump Trashes NATO Over Refusal To Join Iran War: 'Why The Hell Are We Helping Them?'