Deputy First Minister and DUP MLA for Lagan Valley, Emma Little-Pengelly, has confirmed her intention to travel to Washington for St Patrick’s Day.
The First Minister Michelle O’Neill will not be going. On Friday Sinn Fein confirmed they would boycott the trip, which the First and Deputy First Ministers usually take part in.
It is not yet understood whether US President Donald Trump has issued invites to leaders in Northern Ireland, the Deputy First Minister said she will attend events in Washington, but that the “programme of events is still being worked through.”
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) will also be attending, party leader Mike Nesbitt confirmed on Monday.
Alliance and the SDLP are not taking part in any events in Washington.
I intend to go to Washington next month. I think it is an incredibly important time, where Northern Ireland has, quite frankly, unprecedented access to the President of the United States and to the Administration.
Of course, we engage with the President’s office, we have had those long and indeed rewarding relationship with the US. It’s a very particular relationship, particularly in relation to foreign direct investment, on trade, in relation to our economy, so of course I will be there standing up for Northern Ireland, making sure that Northern Ireland’s voice is heard in DC that week.
– Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly
The Irish government will be represented by Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
