Mid Ulster Council declines motion to boycott White House

MID Ulster Council has scotched a motion requesting that Irish political figures boycott the US St Patrick’s Day celebrations, due to the country’s direct involvement in the atrocities in Palestine.

Brought at Thursday night’s council meeting, the motion, instigated by independent councillor Dan Kerr, was criticised as “more than a headline grabber than something that affects the people of the district.”

Speaking to the motion, Cllr Kerr said, “Palestine now have had over 20,000 dead, many being innocent women and children. The assault on Gaza has not lessened whatsoever.

“This motion tonight is about Joe Biden, and the American administration, which, for 10 years, have provided Zionist armies with over $38billion worth of military aid, so it’s fair to say that the military hardware used in such massacres is most likely from the US administration.

“Traditionally, Irish political figures go to America and share pleasantries at the White House.

“This motion is calling on politicians from across Ireland to boycott the St Patrick’s Day events in the White House.

“Don’t legitimise the atrocities committed by Biden and the Israeli army – to do so, you might as well shake hands with Hitler himself.”

Cllr Meta Graham voted against the motion stating, “Once again, we have a motion that is nothing more than a headline grabber than something that affects the people of the district.”

She said that whilst no one wants to see the plight of innocent civilians going on any longer than is necessary, things can only move forward with the release of Israeli hostages and a sustainable ceasefire to allow peace talks to begin.

Cllr Cathal Mallaghan also voted against the motion stating that it would be a ‘huge mistake’ not to take the opportunity to visit the White House as it would be a chance to raise the issues surrounding the catastrophic conditions in Palestine. He also commented that it would be a chance to further the peace-process in the North and advance a cause for Irish unity.