Unionists criticise Sinn Fein over party's opposition to Donald Trump visit to Ireland

The TUV meanwhile have lamented the fact he is not travelling north of the border during his transatlantic trip.

The US president flies into Dublin tomorrow for meetings with political figures – including, it is expected, Ireland’s Sinn Fein-backed president Catherine Connolly, who protested against Mr Trump’s last visit in 2019.

Mr Trump will then travel to the west coast of Ireland to watch the Irish Open, being held at his golf resort in Doonbeg, Co Clare.

Sinn Fein’s leader Mary Lou McDonald had earlier declared that it is “quite correct” for people to protest against Mr Trump’s visit, and that Sinn Fein members will be among those doing so, adding that she hopes president Connolly raises the issue of Israel/Palestine with Mr Trump.

UUP leader Jon Burrows questioned why Sinn Fein is not as vocal in opposing the misdeeds of other nations.

“Once again, Sinn Fein's hypocrisy is clear for all to see,” he said.

"They are quick to protest against the arrival of the president of the United States, yet remain silent on Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and China's persecution of the Uyghurs.

“This is the same Sinn Fein that continues to eulogise those who murdered our citizens during the Troubles.

"That is not just hypocrisy. It is nauseating hypocrisy.”

It has been widely reported that the Chinese government has detained in excess of one million Uyghurs – Turkic Muslims in the far-western desert state of XInjiang – in re-education camps.

In 2020 Sinn Fein declared this a “gross breach of human rights”, but has faced criticism for not speaking out more.

And while Sinn Fein has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its MEPs have also voted against military aid for the country.

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley focussed on Sinn Fein’s opposition to Mr Trump’s domestic policies.

"Sinn Fein have spent this week backpedalling on immigration after finally recognising that their open-door rhetoric is out of touch with many of the communities they claim to represent,” he said.

"Now, within days, they are reaching for the protest placards for president Trump.

“It rather exposes the contradiction. They are trying to sound tougher on borders at home while protesting against a US president whose determination to secure his own borders has been one of his defining political positions.

"The United States is a hugely important economic and strategic partner.

"Rather than political grandstanding, our focus should be on constructive engagement, attracting American investment and securing jobs.”

Meanwhile the TUV said in a statement: “What happens in the South is of course a matter for them but for our part it is somewhat disappointing that Mr Trump will not come to this part of the United Kingdom after visiting our neighbours.

"Given the significant contribution of Ulster-Scots to the formation and establishment of his nation - something recognised by members of the Trump administration in the past - a visit by the president to this part of the United Kingdom would have been both welcome and appropriate - particularly so in this semiquincentennial year of US independence."

The SDLP and Alliance were also asked their responses to the Trump visit, but no response had been received at time of writing.