In a significant political move, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald and first minister Michelle O'Neill announced their decision to boycott the upcoming St. Patrick's Day events at the White House, citing grave concerns over President Trump's recent comments regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Sinn Féin Declines White House Invitation for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Sinn Féin Declines White House Invitation for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Sinn Féin takes a principled stand against US President Trump over the Gaza conflict.
This year's St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the White House will be missing key figures from Sinn Féin, as both president Mary Lou McDonald and first minister Michelle O'Neill have confirmed they will not be attending. The boycott stems from President Trump's controversial remarks concerning the Israel-Gaza situation, which McDonald described as "catastrophically wrong."
During a video address on social media, McDonald expressed growing concern over Trump’s calls for "mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from their homes" and the permanent seizure of Palestinian lands, asserting that these statements represent a “fundamental breach of international law.” She emphasized that the only path to resolving tensions lies through a permanent ceasefire and negotiations that respect the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.
O'Neill also made it clear that Trump's remarks regarding the possible forced resettlement of Palestinians could not be overlooked, stating, "I will continue to engage with senior figures in the US for peace and economic growth." She acknowledged the historical ties between the US and Ireland but underscored the moral imperative to stand against actions that perpetuate suffering.
This decision comes amidst a backdrop of rising tensions and political reflections within Irish politics on how best to approach the Palestinian issue. Recently, the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) communicated similar sentiments, also indicating their intention to decline any invitations to the White House this year.
As both party leaders unite in their principled stance against the US administration's policies, the absence of Sinn Féin at the White House celebration adds a layer of complexity to traditional St. Patrick's Day engagements that typically highlight the strengthening of Irish-American connections.
