https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/no-decision-from-sdlp-on-white-house-invitation-as-sinn-fein-faces-backlash-from-pro-palestine-campaigners-XKSD2QAV4FE3HO2NTJS7IYHCDQ/
The SDLP has yet to make a decision on whether the party will boycott the White House on St Patrick’s Day amid the continued Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O’Neill confirmed earlier this week that party representatives will make the annual Washington DC trip in “pursuit of peace”.
The party’s decision has been met with criticism from pro-Palestinian campaigners.
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said Sinn Féin’s plan to join the celebrations at the White House was a “violation of the most basic demands of the BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) movement against Israel
He claimed the Sinn Féin decision “will be opposed by many rank and file Sinn Féin members”, who he urged to challenge the party leadership on the issue.
Cork comedian Tadhg Hickey, who described himself as a “lifelong Sinn Féin voter”, said he was appalled by the decision.
A Sinn Féin spokesperson said successive US administrations had played a key role in the Irish peace process and that the party’s message was “that they need to adopt the same approach in relation to Palestine
The SDLP declined to comment on the party’s plans. In common with Sinn Féin, a decision to accept an invitation to the White House would likely prove unpopular with the its base.
by Gazmac_868855
2 comments
Not my usual take. But agree with SF here. Going to and engaging with a stakeholder in the conflict is much more useful than boycotting.
Dialogue is always more productive.
It’s not as self serving as telling everyone else you are boycotting, but it’s more effective.
Better to be at the table than not.
I think it’s in bad taste when Irish politicians flock to America on Paddy’s Day.
You’d never see American politicians leave America on the 4th July.