Sinn Féin Declines White House St Patrick's Day Festivities
Michelle O'Neill, the First Minister of Sinn Féin at Stormont, has made public her decision to forgo attending the St Patrick's Day events at the White House as a form of protest against what she perceives as injustice. Her party, Sinn Féin, has voiced its decision not to partake in the annual gala next month in Washington DC, due to President Donald Trump's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) has already stated its non-participation if an invitation were to be extended, which led to pressure on Sinn Féin to clarify their position. However, official invitations have yet to be dispatched. Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), expressed his disapproval of Sinn Féin's choice, labeling it as "narrow-minded and unproductive", but affirmed that his party would partake in the St Patrick's Day events.
Traditionally, when power-sharing is operational, both the first and deputy first ministers are expected to attend. O'Neill revealed that her conscience will not allow her to attend following President Trump's recent comments on Gaza, where he suggested the US could seize control and relocate its population.
O'Neill told BBC News NI that she is protesting against the "dangerous rhetoric from this new US president". She wants to be remembered as someone who stood for humanity during the Palestinian crisis. She asserts that her decision is based on principle and feels it is the correct course of action.
O'Neill feels at ease with her decision and maintains that she values US relations. She informed Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly about her decision and will not obstruct her if she decides to attend. She asked for respect for her decision, citing that it was based on principle.
According to O'Neill, it is appropriate for Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin to attend the US events. She believes his one-on-one interaction with the US President is an opportunity to convey the sentiments of the Irish people.
Martin accused Sinn Féin of politicizing the matter, emphasizing his responsibility to the nation to attend the festivities. He highlighted the symbiotic relationship between Ireland and the US, with each country providing numerous employment opportunities for the other.
Simon Harris, Tánaiste (deputy Irish prime minister), believes that Sinn Féin's stance doesn't benefit anyone in Palestine. He opined that showing up, working hard, and engaging in discussions on complex issues is more productive.
Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin president, expressed her alarm at President Trump's comments on Gaza and calls for the mass expulsion of Palestinians. She described her decision to abstain from this year's events as a stand against these comments.
McDonald acknowledged the US as a close ally of Ireland, with significant contributions to peace and the Irish economy. However, she criticized the current US administration's approach to Palestine.
Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), was critical of the First Minister's decision and confirmed that his party would attend the St Patrick's Day events. Claire Hanna, SDLP leader, expressed approval of the growing sentiment against business as usual with the current US administration.
In a customary practice, politicians from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland participate in US events around St Patrick's Day, which often includes the taoiseach presenting a bowl of shamrock to the US president in the Oval Office. Last year, O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly jointly attended the St Patrick's Day events for the first time since 2016.