Dublin: Sinn Féin representatives will be part of the protests against US President Donald Trump's visit to Ireland this weekend. Trump is scheduled to meet Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin before heading to his golf course at Doonbeg in County Clare, where he will attend the Amgen Irish Open golf tournament. Significant numbers of people are expected to protest against his visit, with opposition politicians criticizing the Irish government for welcoming him.
According to BBC, Sinn Féin party leader Mary Lou McDonald stated that protests against Trump's visit are warranted. She mentioned that her party will participate in the demonstrations. McDonald expressed her concerns about international law breaches, the situation in Palestine, and events in Gaza and the West Bank. She accused the United States of facilitating Israel's actions against the Palestinian people and emphasized the importance of protesting against such issues.
Mary Lou McDonald also urged the Irish president to address the situation in Gaza during her meeting with Trump at Áras an Uachtaráin. She expressed hope that President Connolly would raise concerns about the US's role in supporting Israel. Additionally, McDonald highlighted the Taoiseach's potential to convey the views of the Irish people on Gaza during his bilateral meeting with Trump.
Ireland is known for its pro-Palestinian stance within the European Union. The UK recently announced sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, citing concerns over the treatment of Palestinians. This move was met with criticism from Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who announced counter-measures.
McDonald emphasized the Taoiseach's responsibility to clearly and firmly communicate the Irish State's position on these matters. As Irish political parties hold think-ins ahead of the new Dáil term, members discuss policy priorities and strategies for the coming year, setting the stage for the government's approach to international and domestic issues.