Donald Trump has said that he "loved" his comments regarding his support of a united Ireland.
This comes after the US President had replied to a question from a reporter by claiming that he would "love to see" a unified Ireland, while adding "It's going to happen eventually".
Mr Trump spoke to reporters as he headed towards the first tee on his golf resort in Doonbeg, during the second day of his second visit to Ireland, where he appeared to double down on these comments.
On the possible diplomatic row sparked by his remarks, Trump stated: "I loved them".
When asked about the backlash over his statement, Trump said: "I love my comments".
The president did not make any further comment regarding any timeline for Irish unity or answer a separate question on Scottish independence.
Saying that it was "great" to be in in Doonbeg, adding: "I love the Irish people".
Speaking about Trump's comments on Irish unity, Taoiseach Micheál Martin tried to downplay them, while adding that he was not particularly surprised as it was not the first time that he had mentioned it.
"He believes unity is the logical way for the island to be configured," he said. "I think some of the reaction is an overreaction. It shouldn't be a surprise he takes a different sort of perspective on things".
Mr Martin also said that he had discussed Northern Ireland during a lunch with Mr Trump, but insisted that this meeting was not a political one. He also hinted that the US President's comments would not be at the top of the agenda when he meets British Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the end of next week.
Mr Trump's comments on a united Ireland did draw criticism, with British Shadow Foreign Secretary, Tom Tugendhat calling them "unhelpful".
Meanwhile, Britain's Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner played down the US President's comments, saying: "Donald Trump is Donald Trump". (All quotes according to RTÉ).
This comes after Donald Trump had earlier said that yesterday evening's move to remove tariffs on Irish whiskey will only apply to Ireland, and not the EU. More on this here.
