A restaurant and bar owner in Doonbeg said yesterday
she hoped the Trump visit would do for Doonbeg what President Barack Obama's visit did for Moneygall.
Caroline Kennedy, owner of the Igoe Inn, reflected a general welcome in the west Clare village for the planned Trump visit. She said without the Trump investment "my business would possibly be closed at this stage".
Some 2½ years ago the US billionaire threw the Doonbeg links resort a lifeline when purchasing it out of receivership. Mr Trump’s son Eric said last month at the opening of the newly-redesigned golf course that the Trump organisation had already spent “north of $50 million to $60 million” on the course and was ready to spend more. “I think Mr Trump is going to get a great welcome. He is putting great money into the area,” Ms Kennedy said. “For us it all about employment and benefits to the area. The resort is due to stage a lot of weddings up there this summer and there is a massive spin-off for us from that.”
Controversial views
Ms Kennedy is not preoccupied with some of Mr Trump’s more controversial views. “Like all politicians Mr Trump says things to get people’s backs up or get the votes.”
Former chairman of Doonbeg Community Development Company Willie Hanrahan said: "If Mr Trump is going to be president of the US it is a big honour for Doonbeg that he is coming here."He said that during previous visits Mr Trump had never come to the village."We won't see him but economically the resort is making Doonbeg viable . . . Without the golf club in the area there would be no employment in the parish. Trump is positive, we can only say that."
General manager of Trump Doonbeg Joe Russell said the Trump brand had had a "very positive" impact on business this year and well into 2017, "as the brand denotes quality and positive guest experience".
“Bookings are well up on last year for golf and accommodation so we’re very pleased. Weddings are up 50 per cent from 2015 . . .We are looking forward to a year of positive growth.”
Proposed ban
Mr Trump upset Muslims across the world with his proposed ban on Muslims entering the US. However, Clare’s best known Muslim and former TD
Dr Moosajee Bhamjee
said yesterday: “We have to welcome Mr Trump as a presidential candidate and a possible future president of America.
“His views might be racist and extremely right-wing, but at the same time he is a private citizen and is entitled to come to visit his property.Mr Trump has intolerant views but overall he is good for Clare, and he will encourage more investment into the county.”
