Call to reject White House St Patrick's events amid Israel-US attacks on Iran
Dublin City councillors have called for an “immediate ceasefire” of joint Israel-US attacks against Iran and for all representatives to reject invitations for St Patrick’s Day events hosted by President Donald Trump in the White House.
While a meeting between the Taoiseach and US President to mark St Patrick’s Day festivities has become an annual tradition , Sinn Fein Councillor Ciaran O Meachair stated it is the council’s duty to use their voice to “stand against the attacks on Iran .” In an emergency motion at yesterday’s monthly council meeting he called on “all representatives of Dublin City Council, including the Lord Mayor, to not attend any events this month hosted by the US President in the White House.”
Taoiseach Michael Martin has already confirmed his acceptance of a formal invitation from the Oval Office. However, Cllr O Meachair said the recent bombing of a girls school in Iran, which killed at least 153 people, has clearly broken international law and must be opposed by representatives.
He stressed that international law is not an “a la carte” where countries can pick and choose what they follow. “It’s like a necklace chain where if anything is broken the whole thing is broken,” Cllr O Meachair said. Citing the sanctions that were imposed on Russia following the Ukraine War, he questioned why “Putin has to follow the rules, but Trump doesn’t.”
Sinn Fein Cllr Micheal Mac Donncha condemned the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs for not being willing to call out illegal attacks which he said there is “no question goes against international law.”
“It’s not just an American war programme, it is an Israeli war program in order to establish a greater state of Israel," he said.
Social Democrats Cllr Cat O’Driscoll said the news of attacks over this past weekend was “heart-breaking” and that “everyone is entitled to peace.” She said that, in light of recent events, “we cannot attend any events held by the US.”
Independent Cllr Gavin Pepper stood in opposition, citing the “scandalous” human rights abuses of “the Iranian regime.” He cautioned colleagues against condemning the United States, noting the importance of American investment to the Irish economy.
Fine Gael Cllr David Coffey also cautioned against breaking down avenues of communication with the US and said “logic breaks down when we refuse to talk to people.” He suggested using the Oval Office’s invitation as an opportunity to “use our neutrality” and “talk to them behind closed doors.”
However, People Before Profit Cllr Conor Reddy stated he believes there will “not be one word of condemnation for Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, or all that’s happened in Trump’s relatively short second term” during the Taoiseach’s US visit.” He said refusing to attend would send a far more powerful message.
Fellow PBP Cllr Hazel De Nortuin stated that, not only should politicians refuse to attend St Patrick’s Day events, but they should ensure the US stops using Shannon Airport for military purposes. She said this has been a major issue for years with little being done to stop it.
It should be noted that this debate was held in the Irish language and every effort has been made to ensure translations are as accurate as possible.
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