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BOYCOTT OR BUY INTO ST PATRICK'S DAY IN WASHINGTON?

Thursday, March 14, 2024

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It's possible for there to be merit in competing arguments...

Every year politicians from across Ireland head off to the USA to mark St Patrick's Day.

It's a time of year when the green carpet is rolled out by the White House, and other groupings, to politicians, business, academia, media, and peace builders.

It's a chance to promote Ireland (both jurisdictions) and attract support and investment in this part of the world.

Irish people like Irish pubs are found in every part of the globe so senior Irish government figures will also head to Canada and elsewhere to mark St Patrick's Day, and also take advantage of the warmth there is for Irish people across the world.

This year feels a little different because of what's unfolding in the Middle East, and the US role arming Israel.

From October the latest wave of slaughter is causing deep distress among people.

So when the annual invites landed this year to visit Washington politicians were under more pressure than usual.

IRISH GOVERNMENT

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD will be aware of recent Irish Times polling saying his government should be doing more internationally to support Palestinians, but that on the question of whether the government should heed the calls to boycott the St Patrick’s Day events in the White House in protest against the US support for Israel, 20 per cent said this would be a good idea; 65 per cent believed it would be a bad idea.

SINN FEIN

Sinn Féin is represented in Washington this year by party president Mary Lou McDonald TD, vice president Michelle O'Neill MLA and Stormont Economy Minister Conor Murphy MLA.

Several weeks ago Sinn Fein experienced a small protest an event of theirs in Belfast, which was addressed by the Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, and a significant number of supporters are uneasy about them being in Washington this year, though many won't publicly express that.

Sinn Féin is in a trickier position than some of the other parties in that they look poised to enter government in the Republic of Ireland soon so must conduct themselves like a party of government, and north of the border Michelle O’Neill is the newly installed first nationalist in the First Minister role to make the Washington trip after the latest period of instability in the north.

There are objections to them, and others being in the US, but not enough to stop them travelling, however, it will be a careful balancing act how engagements are handled.

Already Leo Varadkar and Mary Lou McDonald have highlighted the crisis in Gaza in their various meetings and platforms.

And also the question comes up where would the Irish peace process be if people hadn’t spoken to each other?

PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll is clear that the most powerful message Irish politicians could send over the US role in Israel/Gaza is to boycott the White House when the spotlight is on Ireland.

PBP MLA Gerry Carroll said: “The idea that Michelle O'Neill or Mary Lou McDonald is going to pull Biden up on his support for Israel, I don't buy that. And even if they do, that's not gonna change the position of the US. What is going to change the position of the US is international pressure and staying away. This is about Palestine but Joe Biden is trying to use parties there to rehabilitate himself.

“Irish politicians going over to Joe will be smiling with him, handing over bowls of shamrocks, pints of Guinness, Champagne, whatever they will be drinking. The backdrop is mass slaughter, genocidal acts committed by the Israeli government. Parties talk about peace on this island. If they are really committed to peace on the international stage, then they should shun the biggest supporter of terrorism across the world, and the biggest supporter of terror against Palestinians, and that is the US government.”

Colim

SDLP

The SDLP is in opposition at Stormont, and decided to take what they described as a principled position to skip the White House “party” however they aren’t divesting from their relationship with the administration and Irish America, and will be back in the US in the coming time ahead.

They say their position is about their values and their constituents values, and not about scoring points over Sinn Féin as some have accused.

Over the course of the peace process the SDLP haven’t boycotted the White House at any other point, other than not engaging with the Trump White House.

Their position is welcomed by many but opponents argue it's easier for smaller parties to stay away from Washington this St Patrick's week.

The travelling Irish delegations seem smaller in number than in previous years.

OTHER PARTIES

The DUP is represented by deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly, leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP, and Education Minister Paul Givan. Alliance is represented by Paula Bradshaw. And the UUP by Mike Nesbitt.

Here is my latest Washington Post piece, with colleague Marisa Bellack, ahead of the big day:

NEW: Irish anger over Gaza may make for a tense White House St. Patrick’s Day https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/13/st-patricks-day-white-house-gaza-israel/

Full statement from SINN FÉIN...

A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: "We are going to the US in pursuit of peace.

“Continuing to work with the Irish diaspora and US representatives to promote and strengthen the support for the peace process at home and Irish reunification.

“We will also advocate for an end to the Israeli genocidal war and occupation in Gaza and the West Bank. For the establishment of a peace process in Palestine and self determination for the Palestinian people.

"Successive US administrations have played a constructive role in the Irish peace process. Our clear message is that they need to adopt the same approach in relation to Palestine.

“Sinn Féin will continue to seize every political and diplomatic opportunity to call for an end to the genocide and ethnic cleansing, and demand an end to the war, and occupation of Palestine.”

Full statement from the TAOISEACH'S OFFICE...

A spokesman for the Taoiseach said: “St Patrick’s Day allows people in Ireland to reconnect with the 70 million people worldwide of Irish background, including the 30 million who claim Irish heritage in the US. The Taoiseach’s visit to the US is a central part of the annual festivities.

“This year, the Taoiseach is visiting Boston and Washington DC. As we mark 100 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries, it’s an opportunity to consider the deep and enduring relationship between Ireland and the US.

“The Taoiseach’s visit aims to further strengthen the ties that link our two nations, and to focus on economic, political and people-to-people connections. He will meet with community and business leaders in Boston and Washington DC, and announce some important investment opportunities.

“A central part of any visit on St Patrick’s Day to the US is the meeting with the US President. The Taoiseach will thank President Biden for the long-standing role played by the US in the Irish peace process, and they will reflect on the recent positive developments in Northern Ireland, where the power-sharing Executive and the Assembly have been restored.

“They will also discuss global issues including the need to maintain assistance for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion, and the urgent humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.”

Here is an interview I did with SUE PENTEL...

Sue Pentel is a founding member of Jews For Palestine Ireland, and also an Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) member.

“We follow the call of the Palestinian BDS movement for sanctions for those complicit in this genocide.

“Jews For Palestine Ireland are horrified at the misuse of Jewish history and the Holocaust to justify the actions of the Israeli apartheid regime.

“This is settler colonialism backed by Western powers, and we stand with hundreds of thousands of Jews worldwide to oppose this genocide and the Zionist colonial project which depends on occupation and violence against Palestinians.

“We stand for freedom and justice for everybody including Palestinians.

“From the point of view of the IPSC we call out America for giving political financial and military support to the Israeli regime without which it would not be able to continue its mass slaughter and ethnic cleansing.

IPSC in organising the march to the US consulate in Belfast on the 16th, focusing clearly on the US role in supporting this genocide, and the absolute hypocrisy of providing arms on the one hand and dropping food parcels on the other while food trucks are stopped by the Israeli regime from entering Gaza.

“The IPSC has opposed every US President who supports the Israeli regime, and continues to call on all politicians not to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with the Biden administration which is complicit in the destruction of Gaza and the attempted destruction of Palestinian infrastructure heritage and spirit.

“We also oppose the use of starvation as a tool of genocide and will be focusing on the needless loss of life in Gaza at the moment.

“We call on thousands to support this march to show our Palestinian brothers and sisters that we stand with them.”

And here is a piece Gill Horgan from MOTHERS AGAINST GENOCIDE has written...

"Irish Politicians trip to US for St. Patrick’s Day 2024.

"Many Irish wholeheartedly disagree with Shamrock being handed over to the President of USA this week on St. Patrick’s Day this March 17th, 2024.

"Why boycott the White House this St Patrick’s Day?

"It’s about drawing a line as to what we as Irish people who have been an occupied and oppressed people, will accept. There has been so many statements and talks around Ceasefires and humanitarian aid over the last few months from politicians here in Ireland and what has changed for Gaza? Absolutely nothing. The US are as complicit in this catastrophic humanitarian crisis now as they have been on day 1. There is still no ceasefire and still not enough aid, to the point that children in Gaza are malnourished and starving. An entire population are starving. This could have been prevented. The US vetoed every Ceasefire resolution at the United Nations security council and sent weapons and financial support to Israel unconditionally. And now as well as supplying weapons and bombs which are dropped on Gaza, they are also dropping aid. You’re either credible as “peacemakers” or youre not.

"The time for diplomatic words with the US has long since passed. If this isn’t the “line” of acceptability then what is? 14,000 children are dead in Gaza, up to 17,000 children have been orphaned. Children are undergoing amputations without anesthesia as are mothers who are having C sections. All of the designated “safe areas” in Gaza have been bombed. The time has come and gone for diplomatic statements, a boycott of the White House because of what is has and is still supporting, is the only acceptable response at this late stage. Israel is on trial being accused of genocide. The matter is urgent. No shamrocks for those who have aided, supported or provided weapons for what has unfolded in Gaza. Human rights and international law come first and foremost.

"Shamrocks and St Patrick’s festivities in the White House this year are NOT IN MY NAME.

"The frustration and outrage here at the stance of the US in relation to what has unfolded in Gaza in the last few months is unprecedented. I have never seen such strong feelings of condemnation from fellow irish people, particularly Irish mothers. It has lead to the formation of many solidarity groups such a Mothers against genocide as well as the growth of many other well established solidarity groups. The feelings of disbelief and outrage as the US more than one ceasefire resolutions at the UN over the last few months. As thousands of children were being killed, the US continued to veto ceasefire resolutions, resolutions that could stop children being killed in their homes and being crushed to death or maimed and orphaned in many cases. Instead the US government continues to unconditionally send support to Israel in the form of financial support or weapons. All while Israel is now on trial at the International Court of Justice being accused of genocide. What has resulted now 5 months later? Utter loss, devastation and suffering. On a scale that is completely unprecedented. 14,000 children are dead, 17,000 children are orphaned. This is a man made humanitarian crisis and now the lack of aid being let in has resulted in the mass starvation of an entire population. Children are starving and malnourished. This could have been prevented had the US not given unconditional support of this bombardment.

"Too many children have been killed in the Middle East under airstrikes and/or violence, specifically this year in Gaza and also in the West Bank. Many Irish people firmly believe a line has been crossed by the US and we don’t support handing shamrocks to those who think they can bomb their way to peace.

"Since 1945, The U.S. has vetoed 89 Security Council resolutions in total, which means that slightly over half of its vetoes have been used on resolutions critical of Israel. “Of the vetoed resolutions, 33 pertained to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories or the country's treatment of the Palestinian people”

"Last year, St Patrick’s Day 2023 was Celebrating A Century of peace building in Ireland. “St Patrick’s Day 2023 marked a century of Ireland’s active membership of the international community, contributing to peace building and supporting democracy, human rights and justice across the globe”

"In regards to the US, You’re either a credible peacemaker or you're not. As long as you have a rife gun culture, are actively sending weapons abroad as well as being involved in many “conflicts” which cause utter devastation, destruction and loss of life, then how can you fit the peacekeeping bill? The US shares no borders with the Middle East yet it finds itself needing to be involved there. It needs to focus less on airstrikes and more on peace.

"In presenting shamrock, we are handing over a symbol that is rooted in Irish culture. A culture of a people who fought occupation and endured a forced famine. A culture of a people that suffered many losses including the loss of widespread use of our native language. There is no way we can acknowledge our past and our struggle and hand over shamrock to those who are playing a part in maintaining a similar suffering on another people.

"In the past, St. Patrick’s day in the US was used by Irish politicians to help put focus on the need for peace in our own country. The US has and is giving unconditional support to Israel despite multiple human rights organisations calling out the Apartheid regime it has been inflicting on Palestinians for decades. It is green lighting apartheid. The Irish did not support apartheid in South Africa and took a strong stand against it, beginning with the inspirational Dunnes Stores strikers. Today, we do not accept it for Palestinians either.

"As Irish people, many of us don’t view our “military neutrality” as being an excuse to be neutral when it comes fighting against human rights violations, apartheid, oppression or the slaughter and mass starvation of thousands of children. We draw the line. No Shamrocks for those who ask us to accept children as collateral damage or label them Human shields. We don’t accept it. We refuse to crop the overall picture of what happened in Palestine to October 7th, which saw tragic human life loss and hostages being taken from their families and loved ones. All around Ireland, solidarity groups have formed and have shown their unwavering support for the people of Palestine because what has unfolded since then can only be described as barbaric. This week marks for many of us the 23rd week of marching, protesting and standing with a population in Gaza who have been subjected to collective punishment. The loss and suffering is off the scale. We condemn the US unconditional involvement in this. We also strongly condemn the US in supplying weapons which are dropping on Gaza and in the same breath dropping aid on the same population. As I said, you’re either a credible peacemaker or you're not.

"No shamrocks for those who abandon their humanity when it comes to any child, in any part of the world. Children are paying the price with their lives under bombs and airstrikes. No shamrocks for those who refuse to find diplomatic channels to peace. No shamrocks for those who are denying an entire population the right to self determination, because they are denying what it is to be Irish and the struggle we overcame. You can’t be Irish without being a product of occupation. You can’t be Irish without being a descendant of those who suffered an imposed famine and mass starvation. If you’re Irish American ask yourself did your ancestors flee to the US because of this imposed famine? The same thing is happening as we speak for Palestinians.

"The US government has long lost its way and its moral compass when it comes to peacekeeping. We’re not naive enough to think that shamrocks will make a blind bit of difference to anyone who can justify the killing of thousands of children, but we would like to remind them that if they do find themselves donning shamrock on their suits this St Patrick’s Day, they are representing what it is to be Irish: a fight for freedom from occupation and oppression.

"You can’t be Irish and be true to your heritage and culture and cheer on the handing over of shamrocks in the US this St Patrick’s day. For all those who are committed to ending the bombardment and suffering on an entire population where up to 17,000 children are now orphaned and more than 14,000 have been killed, please stand with us and wear your shamrocks proudly this St. Patrick’s Day.

"To the Irish politicians who went to the US, despite calls not to, it is imperative that wherever they speak, that the situation in Gaza and the West Bank is front and centre. Represent the people of Ireland and what we stand for. Do not give anyone a minute's peace about Gaza because every 10 minutes a child is killed in Gaza. The situation is urgent and they need to ensure that the intended purpose of their visit is fulfilled. Those who speak of peace but supply weapons and veto ceasefire resolutions do not speak of peace at all. To those who do not truly speak of peace, justice or human rights , while presenting, accepting or wearing shamrock, we say NOT IN OUR NAME.

"SAOIRSE Don PHAILISTÍN"

You can follow Gill and her colleagues at MAG here: https://www.instagram.com/mothersagainstgenocide/

And you can read this from Amnesty International here: https://www.amnesty.ie/israeli-apartheid-poll/

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