Book Offer
This will close in 10 seconds
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said that she and her party will not attend this year’s St. Patrick’s Day event at the White House, citing concerns over the US administration’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In a strongly worded statement, McDonald condemned the United States’ position on the situation in Palestine as “catastrophic”, particularly the reported calls for the mass expulsion of Palestinians. She described these calls as a violation of international law and a destabilising move for the Middle East.
“I’ve followed with growing concern what’s happening on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank, and like many other Irish people, have listened in horror to calls from the President of the United States for the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from their homes and the permanent seizure of Palestinian lands,” she stated.
McDonald stressed the importance of US-Irish relations, highlighting America’s role in supporting the Good Friday Agreement and fostering economic ties between the two nations. She acknowledged the historic bonds between Sinn Féin and Irish-American communities that have long supported peace and prosperity in Ireland.
Despite these strong ties, McDonald insisted that Sinn Féin must take a stand when it believes the US administration is making grave errors.
“But there is also an onus on us to speak honestly and to act when we believe a US Administration is wrong – catastrophically so in the case of Palestine,” she said, explaining her decision not to attend the White House event.
McDonald reiterated Sinn Féin’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, followed by negotiations to establish a long-term, just, and sustainable two-state solution. She urged the US government to shift its position and push for genuine peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
While Sinn Féin will not be at the White House, the party says it will continue engaging with US lawmakers, trade unions, and business leaders to advocate for peace and stability. McDonald also pointed out that An Taoiseach will attend the White House and will have the opportunity to represent the Irish people in discussions with President Donald Trump. She urged him to use this platform to advocate for international law and to oppose the mass expulsion of Palestinians.
“An Taoiseach will attend the White House for his bilateral engagement with the United States President,” she said.
“It is he who represents the Irish people and will have the opportunity to speak on behalf of Ireland when he meets the American President. He must use this opportunity to reflect the view of the Irish people in relation to Palestine.”
To date, no Irish politician has received an invitation to attend the White House for St. Patrick’s Day events this year.
This will close in 10 seconds