Taoiseach Micheál Martin accuses Sinn Féin of playing ‘politics’ over White House St Patrick’s Day boycott

Mr Martin’s vow that he hopes to “double-down” on every opportunity to engage with President Trump on issues ranging from Irish-US trade to Ukraine and Gaza came as Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald said she will not attend any White House event in March in protest at the US threat to take over Gaza.

The Taoiseach – speaking as he opened a Focus Ireland housing project in Mallow, Co Cork – clarified that no formal invitation is issued for the St Patrick’s Day event in the White House.

“You do not get a specific sort of invitation – these things are worked out (between) officials in the embassy and White House officials,” he said.

Mr Martin stressed that dialogue and engagement was never more important between the US and European leaders.

“First of all, Sinn Féin does what it always does – it engages in politics. I have a responsibility to the country. Indeed, earlier this week we had a meeting with our European colleagues convened by President (Emmanuel) Macron with Canada, with…