Opposition TDs decline invitation to Fourth of July celebrations at US embassy

Labour TD Conor Sheehan said he "couldn't think of anything worse" than to attend the event at the present moment. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins

A number of Opposition TDs have said they will decline their invitation to attend Fourth of July celebrations at the US embassy.

With 10 days to go until the event, TDs and senators have come out to publicly state that they will be boycotting, with at least one protest already planned.

Labour TD Conor Sheehan said he "couldn't think of anything worse" than to attend the event at the present moment.

Mr Sheehan said his stance is down to "what the US government is involved in, both in terms of illegal wars overseas but also in terms of the persecution of people in the US".

Party colleague Ciarán Ahern echoed this sentiment, adding that the current US administration is doing its best to undermine global co-operation on issues such as climate and trade at every step.

Sinn Féin's foreign affairs spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the party will continue to engage with the US administration to safeguard Irish interests and raise concerns about international issues, in particular Gaza, but added:

However, it would not be appropriate to attend a celebration given US policy in the continued arming of Israeli forces to commit genocide.

Social Democrats' foreign affairs spokesperson Senator Patricia Stephenson confirmed that she would not be attending, but said she does not speak for everyone in her party. 

She said it would not be appropriate to attend because Donald Trump's administration "does not necessarily align with the values of our party".

Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman, who did not attend last year, said that he has not seen an invitation but is unlikely to attend.

People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger will not attend the event, but will be protesting as part of the Dublin 15 Palestine Group.

Aontú and Independent Ireland did not rule out attending, citing the importance of maintaining the important relationship between the two countries.

Peadar Tóibín said that as long as his diary is clear, he has no issue attending the event, given the tens of millions of Irish living in the US and the many shared ties and objectives.

While people will have, obviously, difference of opinions in terms of the Trump regime, potentially, there is no doubt in my mind, that we need to continue to build a positive relationship with the American administration.

Independent Ireland said it will discuss it as a party over the coming days but leader Michael Collins said communication is very important when it comes to negotiating peace.

Mr Collins said it is also important to keep lines of communications open with the newly appointed ambassador.

US businessman Edward Walsh was sworn in as the US ambassador to Ireland last week and is due to move into the Phoenix Park residence soon.

The annual event sees politicians and other well-known public figures attend the US Independence Day celebration at the ambassador's Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park.

Last year also saw politicians boycott and members of the public protest near the venue over the US providing support to Israel as it continued its bombardment of Gaza.