Irish deputy premier Simon Harris said the party’s decision would not help any Palestinians.
Sinn Féin has defended its decision to boycott the St. Patrick’s Day events in Washington D.C., citing opposition to the threat of mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, as suggested by U.S. President Donald Trump. The party’s leader, Mary Lou McDonald, and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, announced the boycott as a "principled stance" against the proposed displacement. While political opponents, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and DUP leader Gavin Robinson, criticized the move, arguing it could harm Ireland’s economic interests and Northern Ireland’s relationship with the U.S., Sinn Féin emphasized the importance of standing against the proposed expulsion. The Taoiseach, however, has stated he plans to attend a bilateral meeting with Trump to discuss economic and political issues.
