Sinn Féin to boycott St Patrick’s Day events in Washington for second year

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald had said she 'hoped' the party would be able to attend events in the US, but on Monday said 'Israeli attacks on Gaza have not ended'. Picture: Moya Nolan

Sinn Féin and its party leader Mary Lou McDonald will not attend St Patrick’s Day events in Washington DC for a second year in a row.

Ms McDonald told the Irish Examiner in Decembershe “hoped” the party would be able to attend events in the US, but on Monday said “Israeli attacks on Gaza have not ended”.

Sinn Féin leadership is traditionally invited to the Shamrock Ceremony in the White House, as well as other events, including the Speaker’s Lunch on Capitol Hill.

“The situation on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank remains dire, and the reality is that for all of the talk of a ceasefire, Israeli attacks on Gaza have not ended,” Ms McDonald said.

“The genocide continues. Civilians are still being killed. Homes are still being struck. Families who have already lost everything continue to live under fire.

“Peace in Palestine must mean the end of occupation, the end of apartheid-like systems of control and the full realisation of a sovereign Palestinian state.

“The Good Friday Agreement has shown the world that it is possible to move out of conflict into a permanent peace. A better future for the people of Palestine and the people of Israel is possible. Peace is possible. Justice is possible.

“It is important that the eyes of the international community remain focused on what is happening in Palestine and it is important that Sinn Féin uses its voice to demand that international law is upheld and peace and justice prevail.

“The ties between the people of Ireland and the United States are of key importance. Sinn Féin has deep and enduring bonds that go back decades with those in the United States who played a key role in the peace process and in the campaign for Irish reunification.

“Sinn Féin will continue that work with senior representatives on Capitol Hill, the trade union movement, business leaders, Irish American organisations and the diaspora.” 

'This is about humanity'

Speaking to reporters in Belfast, First Minister Michelle O’Neill also confirmed that she would not be going to Washington DC.

“I don't see any difference in terms of any improvements in the lives of Palestinian people,” she said.

“What we see is indiscriminate firing day after day. What we see is people being displaced from their homes, and what we see is an international community that continues to turn its head.

“For me, this is about humanity. This is about doing the right thing. This is about using my voice and my platform to stand up for those people that are facing this genocide day after day.

“The situation at Gaza remains so serious that this is not the time in which to engage in St Patrick’s Day celebrations.” 

Ms O’Neill said that she was not taking the decision to “impact Donald Trump”, but it was “about taking a stand for humanity”.

This is the second year in a row Sinn Féin has decided not to attend Washington DC for St Patrick’s Day.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will meet US president Donald Trump in the Oval Office in mid-March.