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Michelle O’Neill Defends Decision to Skip Trump⁣ Banquet, Cites Gaza Crisis

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill has defended⁢ her​ decision not ⁤to‌ attend‌ a state banquet hosted‍ by President Donald Trump during his upcoming visit to the UK. She stated her discomfort with attending while the humanitarian crisis‌ in Gaza continues, prioritizing⁢ that issue over diplomatic engagements.

Ms. O’Neill ‍informed MLAs that‍ she ‍maintains regular contact with the US governance but ⁤believes the ⁢situation in⁤ Gaza demands greater attention.‌ This ⁣decision follows a similar protest earlier this year ⁤when she declined to‌ attend ⁤events with ⁤deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at the White house, again citing President Trump’s stance on the Gaza conflict.

I am very comfortable with my ⁢decision not to ‍represent this Executive ⁣at a state banquet ⁢in ⁢Windsor Castle with President Trump

the issue was raised during ⁣a scrutiny committee appearance by DUP MLA Brian Kingston, who emphasized the importance of engaging with the US administration given its investment⁤ in Northern Ireland.

Part of the role of joint first ministers is engaging with other heads⁣ of states and their administrations for ‌the people of Northern Ireland

ms. O’Neill countered by stating that the “starving children of​ Gaza” should be the priority for everyone. She reiterated‍ her comfort with her decision, emphasizing the severity of the humanitarian crisis.

Mr. Kingston argued that addressing the Gaza crisis shouldn’t necessitate⁤ isolating‍ Northern⁢ Ireland from the US administration.

Ms. O’Neill concluded by affirming her ongoing engagement with various individuals ​within the US administration.