A political delegation from Northern Ireland/The North has arrived in Washington DC for a series of diplomatic engagements marking St Patrick’s Day, although the visit is taking place without participation from Sinn Fein, who have announced they will not attend this year’s events.
The annual Washington programme typically sees political leaders from Northern Ireland/The North travel to the United States for meetings with senior political figures, business leaders and members of the Irish-American community.
However, Sinn Fein confirmed in advance of this year’s celebrations that its leadership would boycott the Washington events, citing concerns about the policies and political positions of US President Donald Trump.
Party leaders said they could not participate in events linked to the US administration because of what they described as right-wing policies and rhetoric internationally, including positions taken by the president on global political issues.
Sinn Fein has historically played a central role in the St Patrick’s Day diplomatic programme in Washington, with previous party leaders regularly attending events at the White House and meetings with senior US political figures.
Despite the absence of Sinn Fein representatives, other political parties from Northern Ireland/The North are participating in the Washington visit.
Members of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) are among those attending the programme of events in the US capital. The party has previously welcomed the opportunity to engage with the US administration during St Patrick’s Day diplomatic events.
Delegation members are expected to take part in a number of receptions, political meetings and business engagements during their time in Washington.
The St Patrick’s Day visit has long been viewed as an important opportunity to promote economic investment in Northern Ireland/The North, with political leaders highlighting sectors such as technology, manufacturing, cybersecurity and financial services.
The Washington programme forms part of a wider series of St Patrick’s Day diplomatic engagements across the United States, with Irish and Northern Ireland/The North representatives also visiting cities including New York, Boston and Chicago.
While the events continue to serve as an important platform for promoting international investment and political relationships, the absence of Sinn Fein this year has drawn particular attention given the party’s historic involvement in Washington St Patrick’s Day diplomacy
