Donald Trump's visit to Ireland is still going to happen, potentially early next year

He's still going to come here...

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed on Thursday, following heavy speculation, that US President Donald Trump's planned visit for November was off.

Speaking at the US Residence in Phoenix Park at an economic conference, Varadkar said: "As you know this week US President Donald Trump has to postpone his proposed trip to Ireland, however whenever it takes place we look forward to the opportunity to renew the deep, historic ties that exist between our two countries.

"We can all agree the future US-Ireland economic relationship is of profound importance to all of us here."

Some suggested the visit was cancelled in the back of protests planned against Trump during his visit to Ireland.

US Director of Western European Affairs Rob Faucher told RTÉ News that the visit is still going to happen, and had not been cancelled entirely.

He also said that it was unfortunate the visit had to be postponed but nothing negative should be read into the decision to postpone the trip.

He suggested that Trump's visit could take place before the traditional St Patrick's Day visit by the Taoiseach to the White House next year or very soon after it.