Sinn Féin will not attend St Patrick’s Day events at the White House

Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O’Neill said of the decision: “ I have taken the decision not to attend this year’s St. Patrick’s Day events at the White House due to the situation in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

“I deeply value the historic relationship between Ireland and the United States, and I remain committed to working with U.S. figures to strengthen our peace and grow our economy.

“However, despite the hopes and promise offered by the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, horrific Israeli military attacks continue.

She added: “I cannot and will not look away from systematic human rights abuses and flagrant breaches of international law by Israel.

“It is my responsibility as a political leader to stand firmly on the side of humanity.

West Tyrone MP Órfhlaith Begley also said: “We cannot and will not look away from systematic human rights abuses and flagrant breaches of international law by Israel. “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. The genocide continues. “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. “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 re-unification. Sinn Féin will continue that work with senior representatives on Capitol Hill, the trade union movement, business leaders, Irish American organisations and the diaspora.”

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald has also confirmed she will not attend the events in the US.