Sinn Féin has announced that it will boycott St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the White House next month in protest against US President Donald Trump’s handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The party’s First Minister at Stormont, Michelle O’Neill, will not travel to Washington, D.C., for the annual event, breaking with long-standing tradition.
However, as of now, formal invitations for the event have yet to be issued.
The party’s First Minister at Stormont, Michelle O’Neill, will not travel to Washington, D.C., for the annual event, breaking with long-standing tradition.
Political Pressure Mounts on Sinn Féin
There had been growing pressure on Sinn Féin to clarify its position, particularly after the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) stated it would also decline to attend if invited.However, as of now, formal invitations for the event have yet to be issued.
Breaking with Tradition
When Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government is operational, it is customary for both the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to travel to the US capital for St. Patrick’s Day engagements, which typically include meetings with American leaders and Irish-American representatives.Mary Lou McDonald Condemns US Position on Gaza
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald released a video statement on X (formerly Twitter) expressing deep concern over President Trump’s comments on Gaza.Sinn Féin’s decision marks a significant political move, highlighting the party’s firm stance on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
