St Patrick’s Week in Washington is traditionally a moment when Northern Ireland’s political leaders set aside differences to showcase the region on the world stage. It’s a rare opportunity to engage directly with the most powerful figures in American politics, to build relationships, and to push Northern Ireland’s economic and political interests.
This year, however, the occasion was overshadowed by the decision of Sinn Féin, the SDLP, and Alliance to boycott the White House celebrations in protest against Donald Trump’s stance on Gaza.
The decision was understandable, especially given Trump’s history, including his treatment of President Zelensky in the Oval Office. It is not surprising that some parties felt attending would legitimise a man they fundamentally oppose.
But the reality is that, just as I predicted in another opinion piece a number of weeks ago, Trump was never going to care. When asked about the boycott, he simply responded, “I haven’t heard that, I really haven’t heard that.” It was a stark reminder that, however principled the decision to stay away may have been, it did not register where it was meant to.
While some parties chose to protest, the DUP, and in particular, deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly used the trip to engage, particularly on an issue that could have serious consequences for Northern Ireland and that is the potential for a US-EU trade war.
Trump’s threats of punitive tariffs, including a proposed 200 per cent tariff on European alcohol, could hit Northern Ireland hard. The region’s unique post-Brexit status means it operates within both the UK and EU trade systems, leaving it in an uncertain position should a full-scale trade dispute erupt.
Of course, Trump is unlikely to give much thought to how his trade policies might affect Northern Ireland. His focus is on the wider US-EU relationship, and his concerns lie in American domestic politics, not in protecting businesses in Belfast or Derry. But that does not mean the issue should be ignored. Emma Little Pengelly was right to put it on the radar of key policymakers in Washington, even if Trump himself remains indifferent.
The boycott versus engagement debate is not clear-cut either. There was moral weight behind Sinn Féin and the SDLP’s decision to stay away, while Alliance opted to send North Belfast MLA Nuala McAllister to attend events other than those at the White House. But politics is about pragmatism as much as principle and if Northern Ireland is to protect its interests, particularly on trade, investment, and its role in transatlantic relations, then its representatives need to be in the room, making the case.
That doesn’t mean anyone has to roll out the red carpet for Trump or pretend he cares about Northern Ireland. But when decisions are being made that could hurt jobs, businesses, and investment back home, we need to be at the table. If we take ourselves out of the conversation, we can’t be surprised when no one else is speaking up for us.
English (United States) ·