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Donald Trump could be very effective president, says Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary (right) has said Donald Trump's economic policies could prove beneficial around the world 
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary (right) has said Donald Trump's economic policies could prove beneficial around the world  Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary (right) has said Donald Trump's economic policies could prove beneficial around the world 

US President Donald Trump could be a "very effective" leader, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has claimed.

The chief executive of the low-cost airline urged people to "wait to see" what the president achieves during his time in the White House.

Mr Trump has come under fire for a number of policies, including the imposition of a travel ban on seven predominantly Muslim countries and plans to build a US-Mexico border wall.

Speaking at an aviation summit in Brussels, Mr O'Leary said: "If he implements some of his stated policies - reducing taxes, promoting fracking, lowering the price of oil - it would be very good not just for the US economy but for the world economy generally.

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"Some of the other stuff I don't understand. Why you care how many showed up to your inauguration is beyond me. You're already the president. It shouldn't matter.

"If he carries out some of the sensible policies he could be very effective.

"The media don't like him but then they didn't like (president) Ronald Reagan either. They all thought he was some mad cowboy when he got elected.

"We should wait to see what Trump does over the next two years and if it's successful, great."

Protest against President Trump at Belfast's US Consulate

On Monday, Commons Speaker John Bercow sparked a row when he told MPs he was "strongly opposed" to Mr Trump addressing Parliament during his forthcoming state visit.

He said Parliament's opposition to racism and sexism as well as its support for the law were "hugely important considerations".

Mr Bercow faced calls to consider his position but insisted he was acting "honestly and honourably" in carrying out his responsibilities.

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