Laois politician backs Sinn Féin's White House boycott
Senator Maria McCormack said "we stand with the Palestinian people"
Laois Senator Maria McCormack has voiced her full support for her party’s decision not to attend the White House for St. Patrick’s Day this year.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill will not travel to the US for the occasion in a significant departure from tradition. The pair said that their decision has been taken as a “principled stance against the threat of mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza”.
Portlaoise based Senator McCormack said: "This decision aligns with our focus on Ireland’s domestic priorities, but it also sends a strong message about the importance of standing by what is right, both at home and abroad."
"We cannot remain silent in the face of such harmful and unjust statements," McCormack said speaking on Midlands 103.
"We stand with the Palestinian people in their right to remain in their land and live in peace and dignity. No one should be forced to leave their home, especially under the threat of violence or oppression.”
The senator highlighted that the decision to forgo attending such an event sends a clear message that the needs of the Irish public are the foremost concern for her party.
“Sinn Fein is sending a strong message about how our national holiday should not be used to normalise comments and behaviours that contradict the principles of the Irish people. Ireland has a proud history of advocating for the rights of oppressed people, and we must continue to champion those values in our foreign policy," McCormack said.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the only route to peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians was a “permanent ceasefire” followed by a negotiated settlement for a “just and sustainable two-state solution”.