David Brooks said:
“The SDLP’s decision to boycott the White House’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations is nothing more than a petulant stunt that exposes their contempt for President Trump. While Claire Hanna claims this is about Gaza, her reaction to Trump’s election victory tells a different story. In her own words, she said that ‘Donald Trump has repeatedly shown himself as someone with little respect for most people or the high office that he once again holds.
Given their decision to boycott a key event at the White House, it seems clear that it is the SDLP who have little respect for the high office of the Presidency.
Most people can see this childish boycott for what it is - another example of the SDLP putting grandstanding ahead of serious engagement. St Patrick’s Day at the White House is an opportunity to strengthen Northern Ireland’s voice on the world stage, and instead of acting like adults, the SDLP have chosen to sulk on the sidelines.
We will use the access to the corridors of power in Washington to stand up for Northern Ireland and our economic and cultural ties with America.”