Council to debate 'no shamrocks to be delivered by Irish political representatives to Trump in the White House'

"Our motion calls for no shamrocks to be delivered by Irish political representatives to Trump in the White House on St Patrick's Day. Trump is making good on Martin Luther King Jr's charge that the US government is the 'greatest purveyor of violence in the world,'" said Cllr Harkin.

"His assault on Venezuela and threats to Greenland, Iran and a host of other sovereign states can only be described as 'might makes right' US gunboat imperialism," he added.

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"His mockery of British soldiers dying in service of illegal US-led wars and occupations underscores the contempt and disregard elites and billionaires have for working-class "cannon-fodder" sent to die for oil and profit. The DUP must now be thoroughly embarrassed by their cosying up to Trump and his agenda. 

"Trump's supporters are openly plotting to bring disorder and chaos to Ireland by heavily funding homegrown emulators of Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson to promote lies and division. 

"The danger Trump poses to American residents has been made clear with the public execution of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by ICE agents. James Connolly warned that tyranny unchallenged only becomes emboldened. 

"St Patrick's Day is an opportunity to challenge Trump's tyranny and stand in solidarity with the majority of Americans who oppose what he is doing at home and abroad. It would be unacceptable for Irish political leaders to attend a party in the White House on the same day Trump puts the abducted Venezuelan head of state Nicholás Maduro on trial in Brooklyn," said Cllr Harkin.

"If Irish political representatives are to visit anyone in the US it should those who are protesting ICE vigilantism and US warmongering across the world."

The full text of Cllr Harkin's motion reads: 

"Council condemns the US military assault on Venezuela and the abduction of President Maduro.

"This was an act of imperialist aggression, on par with Putin's invasion of Ukraine and Netanyahu's Gaza genocide, aimed at stealing control of Venezuela's oil and resources.

"Council also notes its alarm and concern at the military threats Trump has made towards Greenland, Iran, Colombia, Cuba and Mexico.

"Council will write to the British Prime Minister, the Irish government and the Stormont Executive calling for them to condemn the US violation of Venezuelan sovereignty, acknowledge Trump's violation of international law, demand the release of President Maduro whom the US intends to put on trial on March 17, and calls for diplomatic action, including rejection by all Irish representatives of invitations from Trump to attend the White House on St Patrick's Day."