On St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s Taoiseach receives unrivalled facetime in the White House with the head of state, unlike any other tiny nation, reports RTE.
Since 1952, this custom has been observed, and typically involves smiles, friendship, and pictures when a bowl of shamrock is given to the US President.
Part of a week filled with dinners, drink receptions, and diplomacy, it marks a turning point in US-Irish ties.
Meeting the US President presents a great political opportunity for the Taoiseach. This year, though, is distinct.
What is typically the high point of the Taoiseach’s year has become uneasy because to the Gaza crisis, reports RTE.
Few people were shocked when some extreme leftists in Ireland condemned Leo Varadkar for intending to visit Washington next month, given that the US is perceived as Israel’s ally.
However, the revelation that SDLP leader Colum Eastwood withdrew due to Gaza also puts pressure on lawmakers from Sinn Féin who frequently visit the White House.
Mick Barry, TD for Cork North Central, said: “We think that all parties with invites and all politicians with invites should boycott the event as an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people. There’s deep disquiet among people who have been marching in support of Palestine… at the fact Sinn Féin intends to go to Washington on March the 17th,” reports RTE.
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