In a principled stand against U.S. policy, Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O'Neill will not attend this year's St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the White House, citing grave concerns over comments made by President Trump regarding the Palestinian situation.
Sinn Féin Declines Invitation to White House St. Patrick's Day Events
Sinn Féin Declines Invitation to White House St. Patrick's Day Events
Sinn Féin leaders announce a boycott of White House festivities over US President Trump's comments on the Israel-Gaza situation.
Following growing tension surrounding President Trump's remarks on Gaza and a lack of official invitations, Sinn Féin leaders Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O'Neill have made headlines by announcing their decision to boycott the White House festivities this year. Citing a "profound concern" over Trump's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, McDonald, the party's president, expressed her dismay over comments advocating for the mass expulsion of Palestinians from their homes.
The decision comes in the wake of similar sentiments from the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), which pledged to decline an invitation should it be offered. Although no formal invites for the St. Patrick's Day events have been issued, the tradition typically sees the leaders from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland participate in engagements in the U.S., including the ceremonial presentation of the shamrock.
Mary Lou McDonald, in a recent video, underscored the urgency of the situation, condemning Trump's remarks as not only a severe breach of international law but also a dangerous deviation from a balanced approach to peace in the region. She described the U.S. as a "valued friend" to Ireland, while simultaneously criticizing the current administration's views on Palestine as "catastrophically wrong."
Moreover, O'Neill echoed these concerns, stating that Trump's proposed solutions—including the resettlement of Palestinians and the notion of the U.S. taking control of Gaza—are unacceptable. She articulated her refusal to partake in events that overlook the suffering of Palestinians, emphasizing a commitment to engage with U.S. leaders on peace initiatives.
Both leaders implored Taoiseach Micheál Martin to seize the opportunities presented by upcoming celebrations to advocate for a just solution for the Palestinian people, reflecting their views in accordance with international law.
In contrast, some politicians criticized the SDLP's decision, branding it as politically motivated. As the situation develops, Sinn Féin and its leaders aim to leverage their platform to advocate for humanitarian positions and underscore the importance of recognizing Palestinian rights in the context of global negotiations and peace accords.
The decision comes in the wake of similar sentiments from the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), which pledged to decline an invitation should it be offered. Although no formal invites for the St. Patrick's Day events have been issued, the tradition typically sees the leaders from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland participate in engagements in the U.S., including the ceremonial presentation of the shamrock.
Mary Lou McDonald, in a recent video, underscored the urgency of the situation, condemning Trump's remarks as not only a severe breach of international law but also a dangerous deviation from a balanced approach to peace in the region. She described the U.S. as a "valued friend" to Ireland, while simultaneously criticizing the current administration's views on Palestine as "catastrophically wrong."
Moreover, O'Neill echoed these concerns, stating that Trump's proposed solutions—including the resettlement of Palestinians and the notion of the U.S. taking control of Gaza—are unacceptable. She articulated her refusal to partake in events that overlook the suffering of Palestinians, emphasizing a commitment to engage with U.S. leaders on peace initiatives.
Both leaders implored Taoiseach Micheál Martin to seize the opportunities presented by upcoming celebrations to advocate for a just solution for the Palestinian people, reflecting their views in accordance with international law.
In contrast, some politicians criticized the SDLP's decision, branding it as politically motivated. As the situation develops, Sinn Féin and its leaders aim to leverage their platform to advocate for humanitarian positions and underscore the importance of recognizing Palestinian rights in the context of global negotiations and peace accords.
