Boycott St. Patrick’s Day 2017 in Washington DC

As citizens of 21st century Ireland, members of the Irish Diaspora and Irish America, we ask the Republic of Ireland’s Coalition government and politicians of all stripes to decline White House invitations and political meetings on March 16, 2017. 

20th and 21st Century America is strongly and proudly defined by the contributions of Irish people.  As a long-standing immigrant population, we recognize the complex elements that define American cities, towns and businesses.  We continue to strengthen the best of an open, outward-looking and diverse country.

21st Century Ireland is a diverse and strong nation within the European Union.  The current US President communicates with that Union through bullying, chivvying and threats.  He seeks to disrupt trade for the many to enable profit for the few, to dismantle social safety nets in order to generate gross profits for multi-nationals.   As a nation fighting successfully against economic turmoil we ask you to stand up to such threats in solidarity with our European partners who note that we are all:

“connected by values of democracy, freedom, and respect for the law and the dignity of man, independent of origin, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political views.” 

Donald J Trump fired an opening salvo to the world that shows in no uncertain terms that he does not honour the values that define and connect the USA with its allies.  We urge you to honour those Irish and Irish Americans in the United States and elsewhere who continue to embody those values – through activism, culture and business.   We urge you to refuse March 17 events in Washington DC. Please spend March 17, 2017 in the cities and towns of the USA, Ireland and around the world celebrating a modern, globally engaged Ireland

Please spend that day creating domestic policies that encourage a strong economic and social foundation that encourages the return of its diaspora, please spend that day embodying all that has made many people in Washington DC say that Ireland “is a nation that punches above its weight”.