In a statement on March 17, 2024, a spokesperson for Comhairle Uladh (Ulster Executive), Sinn Féin Poblachtach said: “Our cause is the cause of humanity and not the proverbial back-slapping nor coat-trailing alongside warmongering imperialists in America.

“It has been a longstanding tradition that the wearing of green, parades, Irishness and green beer had given Americans the chance to be Irish for the day. According to Mike Cronin, professor of history in Boston College, in essence, St Patrick’s Day was a public declaration of a hybrid identity — a belief in the future of Ireland as a nation free from British rule, and a strict adherence to the values and liberties.

“What we have witnessed throughout the historical occupation of Ireland even through its bloodiest period St Patrick’s Day certainly wasn’t a time when British cities would open their civic spaces for a celebration of all things Irish.

“In the face of adversity the Irish have successfully exported our national day so that it’s now a global phenomenon being celebrated on every continent and especially within the United States of America.

“St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the US have become a political marketing bonanza and appears as something that is more about Irish America than it is about Ireland. It is estimated that 40 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, which is nearly nine times the population of Ireland itself.

“In the past, the 26-County administration’s traditional St Patrick’s Dat visit to the Oval Office has just been a soft-focus photo opportunity which includes a particular gift of a traditional shamrock bowl.

“Sinn Féin Poblachtach condemns those who would lavish attention on imperialist warmongers and sully the neutrality of Ireland.

“Fellow Fenians and our exiled children in America, April is a special month in Ireland and it’s certainly not for eulogising the enemies of Republicanism. It is a time to proclaim the cause of the Irish Republic and honour the leaders of the Easter Rising for their gallant role in Ireland’s fight for independence from British rule.”

PRO
Comhairle Uladh (Ulster Executive),
Sinn Féin Poblachtach

CRÍOCH/ENDS

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