Taoiseach must not invite Trump to Ireland
Taoiseach must not invite Trump to Ireland - The Labour Party
- Smith warns Taoiseach not to extend an official invitation to Donald Trump
Labour spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Duncan Smith TD has warned that An Taoiseach must not extend any official invitation to President Donald Trump when he visits the White House for St Patrick’s Day visit, amid reports that Micheál Martin may extend an official invitation to the US President to attend the Irish Open at Doonbeg later this year.
Deputy Smith said:
“At a moment of profound instability in global affairs, Ireland must stand clearly for peace. What has happened in Iran represents a huge breach of international law. We now know that a US missile strike hit a school in Iran where 175 people were killed, many of them children. That horrifying loss of civilian life underlines the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for international accountability.
“In that context, the suggestion that Micheál Martin might invite Donald Trump to Ireland for the Irish Open in Doonbeg later this year is completely unacceptable.
“Ireland cannot sidle up to people responsible for undermining international law. We cannot feed the egomaniac that is Donald Trump while the consequences of such reckless actions continue to unfold. Ireland’s reputation for peace should not be traded away for the sake of political theatre or photo opportunities.
“An Taoiseach is currently in Washington for the traditional St Patrick’s Day events. At the best of times this ceremony symbolises friendship between Ireland and the United States. But these are not ordinary times. Signalling a degree of friendship by extending an invitation to Ireland or encouraging a presidential visit would be entirely the wrong message at this moment.
“The people of Ireland are not with a US administration that fails to stand for peace. Micheál Martin must make it clear that Ireland will not reward breaches of international law with symbolic gestures or invitations. Ireland’s voice on the world stage must stand firmly for peace.”