St Patrick's Day: Mary Lou McDonald draws a line at the White House door

Sinn Féin cancels its White House visit over Trump’s Gaza stance, pressuring Ireland’s Taoiseach to act

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said: 'I would urge the Taoiseach to be true to us as Irish people and to express accurately, truthfully, honestly, the feeling in this country and beyond Ireland on our national day.' Picture: Gareth Chaney/PA

Just under a year ago, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald was defending her decision to travel to Washington DC for traditional St Patrick’s Day events in the United States.

There was pressure on Irish politicians to pull back from the programme of events, with no ceasefire in Gaza in sight and the continued bombardment by Israel making headlines day and night.