Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseach, has defended his planned yearly travel to the White House to meet with US President Joe Biden on St. Patrick’s Day, citing it as a chance to discuss Irish perspectives on the Middle East situation, reports RTE.
Because of the US’s continued support for Israel as it continues its offensive in Gaza, pro-Palestinian advocates in Ireland have called for parties to boycott the annual St. Patrick’s Day events in Washington.
Nearly 11,000 people have signed an online petition asking the Taoiseach not to attend the function.
Mr. Varadkar stated that the meeting is a “opportunity as Taoiseach to share the views of the Irish people with the US President in relation to this matter” in a press conference held this morning before Cabinet.
“I don’t see why we’d pass that up,” he said, reports RTE.
“There are talks about a ceasefire and when this conflict ends, it won’t end because of a court order. It will come to an end because of political agreement and diplomacy,” he added, reports RTE.
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