In the North, Sinn Féin has stumbled into a trap; it has been able to hold on to the position of First Minister only by virtue of doing very little with it
Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin's leader, is boycotting the White House St. Patrick's Day event to protest against the potential mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. This decision reflects Sinn Féin's shift towards a more confrontational political strategy, aiming to differentiate itself from other parties ahead of the 2024 general election and the upcoming presidential election. The boycott is well-received by Sinn Féin's base and aligns with their broader strategy to strengthen their position by showcasing commitment to causes like Palestine, while navigating challenges in Northern Ireland to maintain political stability.