The leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), Colum Eastwood, has announced that he will not be attending the White House’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, reports RTE.
The reason behind his decision is his protest against the United States’ failure to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Mr Eastwood believes that the strong bond between Ireland and the US puts an obligation on Irish politicians to advocate for peace.
“It is because we are so close historically, diplomatically and, many of us personally, that we have a duty to be honest with our friends and allies – especially when we think they are wrong,” he said, reports RTE.
Mr. Eastwood emphasized that the US has significant influence in the region and should utilize it to achieve a ceasefire, reports RTE.
During an interview with RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he stated that there were more important matters than fundraising in America.
He said the conflict was unfolding in a fashion that was “catastrophic for the people of Palestine” and there was an opportunity here to make a point.
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