First Minister 'Wrong' to Stay Away from Washington DC, Lyons Says
Northern Ireland Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has strongly criticised First Minister Michelle O'Neill and other political leaders for their absence from St Patrick's Day events in Washington DC, describing their boycott as "wrong" and a "dereliction of duty."
Tradition Broken Over Gaza Protest
Traditionally, political leaders from across Ireland have participated in United States events marking the national saint's day. However, Ms O'Neill and her Sinn Féin colleagues are boycotting for a second consecutive year in protest at US policy towards Gaza.
"The First Minister has refused to attend, other political leaders have refused to attend, I think that is wrong," Mr Lyons told Press Association. "I think that we need to show up."
Importance of US Engagement
The Communities Minister expressed pride in deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly leading a Northern Ireland delegation in Ms O'Neill's absence. He emphasised that engagement with US officials remains crucial regardless of political disagreements.
"I have been doing this for a number of years, I don't agree with everything that every incumbent in the White House says or does," Mr Lyons explained. "I came along when Joe Biden was in office, I certainly didn't agree with everything that he was doing either, but I come because it is important to engage with the US administration."
Broader Political Absences
Alliance leader Naomi Long and SDLP leader Claire Hanna have also stayed away from the Washington events. Meanwhile, Education Minister Paul Givan, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Secretary of State Hilary Benn, UUP leader Jon Burrows, and PSNI chief constable Jon Burrows have travelled to the US capital this week.
Mr Lyons highlighted the broader significance of the St Patrick's Day engagements beyond just meeting with the administration. "More than that, it's not just about the US administration, it's about the House of Representatives, the Senate, the business leaders, culture leaders, forging new relationships and new connections. That is so important."
Missed Opportunities for Northern Ireland
The Minister expressed disappointment at the lack of a united political front during what he described as a key opportunity for Northern Ireland. "I was just speaking to someone else from Northern Ireland who was saying it is such a shame that we don't have a united political front on this," he said.
"This is such a key opportunity, meeting after meeting, event after event where we can say, 'we're from Northern Ireland, we're proud to be from Northern Ireland, we want to tell you about Northern Ireland.'"
He added firmly: "Even if you disagree with the views of the current president of the United States, that shouldn't stop you coming along here and standing up for Northern Ireland."
Deputy First Minister Praised
Mr Lyons praised deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly's leadership of the delegation, stating she "has demonstrated what it truly means to stand up and speak up for the people of Northern Ireland, and we're very proud to have her here leading this delegation."
The Minister noted that Ms Little-Pengelly would be meeting President Donald Trump on Tuesday, an engagement he believes "puts a spotlight on Northern Ireland, and that can only be a good thing."
St Patrick's Day Schedule
Mr Lyons is scheduled to attend several significant events during his Washington visit:
- The annual St Patrick's Day breakfast hosted by the Northern Ireland Bureau
- The Friends of Ireland Luncheon at the US Capitol
- The Shamrock Ceremony at the White House
"I'll also be meeting with representatives on the hill, and I think it is important that we engage, and that we tell that Northern Ireland story, and about who we are," he said. "On St Patrick's Day people are interested in Northern Ireland so I want to make sure that we give that flavour of Northern Ireland."
Historical Connections Highlighted
On Wednesday, Mr Lyons will co-host an event with the America 250 commission at the US Capitol focusing on the Ulster-American story. The event aims to introduce a "new audience" to the region and highlight people from Ulster who made significant impacts, including John Dunlap from County Tyrone, who printed the Declaration of Independence.
"There hasn't been a Northern Ireland-focused event like this, other than the bureau breakfast, and I'm delighted that through this work that we've been leading over the last couple of years, we will have that spotlight on Northern Ireland," Mr Lyons concluded.
The Communities Minister expressed optimism about the visit's benefits, stating: "I'm happy that we're here this week, and that will be to the benefit of people back home." He added that he would welcome visits from US presidents or vice presidents to Northern Ireland, believing such engagements "put a spotlight on us" and represent positive engagement for the region.
