O'Neill Slams Washington Boycott as Opportunistic - Irish Prime Minister (International Edition)
Prime Minister Micheál Martin stated that First Minister Michelle O'Neill’s choice to skip this year's White House celebration of St Patrick's Day was “opportune and rather jaded.”
O'Neill of Sinn Féin chose not to attend the customary celebrations in the American capital due to her objections to US President Donald Trump's position on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
However, talking to the BBC's Sunday Politics show from Washington, the taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) stated that this was "the incorrect choice."
A representative from Sinn Féin stated that the choice was not made hastily, but "with awareness of the duty we all share as individuals to address wrongdoing."
This week, Martin traveled to Washington to participate in St. Patrick's Day celebrations alongside other politicians from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Deputy Chief Minister Emma Little-Pengelly .
On Wednesday, the taoiseach presented Trump with a bowl filled with shamrocks in the White House.
This occurred after a bilateral meeting between the two leaders, where the president highlighted a substantial trade imbalance with Ireland and criticized the EU for its unfavorable treatment of the United States.
Martin stated that Sinn Féin's abstention was "not beneficial for the people of Northern Ireland or the entire island of Ireland."
"This is a highly inappropriate action, taken out of self-interest and marked by a certain cynicism," he further stated.
A representative for Sinn Féin stated: "Our hearts are heavy as we see the plight of the Palestinian people and the recent remarks made by the US president regarding the potential large-scale displacement of Palestinians from Gaza; this is an issue we cannot overlook."
Other political parties - the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and the Alliance Party - Also decided against participating in events in Washington due to the Trump administration's position on the conflict in Gaza.
You can view the interview with Micheál Martin on Sunday Politics at 10:00 GMT on this channel. One NI & iPlayer.
- Ireland waits anxiously before the taoiseach's encounter with Trump.
- Ireland is "prepared to collaborate" with the US to foster peace, states Martin.
- Sinn Féin will not attend the White House St. Patrick's Day festivities.
