Mary Robinson speaks out against 'bully' Trump

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mrs Robinson said that the ban causes global imbalance.

Mrs Robinson, a member of the Elders - a group of international public figures brought together by Nelson Mandela in 2007 to promote peace and human rights - said it is chilling that Mr Trump is delivering on his election rhetoric, saying his actions will not make the US safer.

She also said that she feared the influence of Trump's chief strategist and former Editor of Brietbart, Steve Bannon.

Mrs. Robinson refused to comment on on whether she thought it was right that the Taoiseach should travel to Washington for St Patrick's Day.

Enda Kenny will go ahead with the traditional 17 March visit to the White House, despite some political criticism.

Asked whether Trump would pay heed to anything that anyone else had to say about him, Mrs. Robinson said: "He's a bit of a bully, and you have to stand up to bullies."