Northern Ireland Divided Over Trump Banquet Boycott: Deputy First minister Defends Engagement
BELFAST – A split has emerged within Northern Ireland’s leadership over attending a state banquet for visiting US President Donald Trump. While First Minister Michelle O’Neill will boycott the event at Windsor Castle, Deputy First minister Emma Little-Pengelly will attend, arguing that engagement is more effective than protest.
O’Neill has publicly stated she is “very pleasant” with her decision, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the “biggest humanitarian crisis of our time” unfolding in Gaza. She maintains existing channels of interaction with the US administration render her absence inconsequential.
However, Little-Pengelly strongly disagrees, asserting that boycotting the banquet “doesn’t change anything.” Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster, she described the event as a “hugely honoured” opportunity to represent Northern Ireland as part of the UK delegation.
“The King was very keen to ensure all regions are involved in State visits,” Little-Pengelly explained. “these occasions are really crucial for important conversations.”
She highlighted the significance of engaging with the broader US delegation, which includes key figures in defense, international trade, and conflict resolution. “This is an opportunity to engage with peopel on both of those important issues,” she said, adding that a peaceful resolution in the Middle East is a shared goal.
Little-Pengelly underscored the importance of dialog with the democratically elected US President. “Everyone can see that world leaders are engaging with President Trump. He has a hugely critically important role internationally in trying to bring about peace, so of course we should engage.”
Ultimately, Little-Pengelly believes that active participation within the UK delegation allows for direct advocacy for peaceful resolutions and offers a platform to influence US policy. “Engaging, talking to people, being part of that very strong UK delegation… everyone as part of that delegation will be urging peaceful resolution,” she concluded.
Keywords: Donald trump, Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, Emma Little-Pengelly, Windsor Castle, Gaza, US Visit, UK Politics, Boycott, State Banquet, International Relations, Middle East Peace.
