Sharing Thoughts On Northern Ireland Politics And American Policy

Bernadette McAliskey ✒ writing in Europe Solidaire Sans Frontières,

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood’s decision to absent himself and his party from ‘rocking the sham’ in the White House is very welcome.The Irish government parties and Sinn Féin might want to reconsider their positions.

Palestine is more fundamental than party politics. It is the test of conscience, integrity, humanity and courage.

Colum Eastwood made his courageous decision on that basis.

SDLP leaders will, instead, actively give Irish voice to the ethnically diverse and growing campaign within the USA opposing Biden’s genocide policy.

This will not, for now, sit well with the Irish government or the USA but it is morally correct. I trust Palestine supporters will electorally remember that.

Michelle O’Neil is mistaken in thinking her attendance is required within her ‘First Minister for All’ policy.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the White House are not an occasion in which the President formally represents the ethnic diversity of the USA, and his guests likewise that of their own populations. Not at all!

This is a USA internal ‘knees-up’ primarily for the great and the good of Irish-American politics, economic and cultural life.

Irish-Americans as a self-identified ethnic population within the USA Census, numerically second only to those claiming German ancestry.

The political influence of the ‘Hibernian’ vote is second only to that of the Zionist lobby, and less well organised.

The USA Jewish population – not to be confused with Zionism – has traditionally had a much stronger liberal and radical lobby than the Irish.

The latter is not non-existent, but has become weaker since the mid-1990’s as a direct consequence of Sinn Féin officially throwing their lot in with the ‘People with Clout’, as the late Fr. Denis Faul was wont to call them.

The right-wing of Irish-American politics within both the Democratic and Republican parties will predominate among those invited, and seeking invitation to the President’s Paddy’s Day Bash.

Those participating will be US politicians seeking Irish-American votes; people with money being acknowledged for their investment in various ‘Irish’ interests or projects, or to be hustled for their patronage.

Shamrocks, business cards and promises that may not be kept will be lightly exchanged over cocktails before dinner; good wine and food, music, and after-dinner mingling.

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