DUBLIN — Sinn Féin, Ireland’s main opposition party, has made headlines by declaring it will boycott events involving former President Donald Trump during the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the White House.

This decision highlights a complex diplomatic landscape for the Irish government, particularly with a meeting anticipated on March 17.

Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Féin, criticized Trump’s recent comments advocating for actions in the Gaza Strip that have been perceived as calls for mass expulsion of Palestinians.

McDonald stated, 'I, like many other Irish people, have listened in horror to calls from the president of the United States for the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from their homes and the permanent seizure of Palestinian land.' McDonald’s remarks reflect deep-seated concerns among many in Ireland regarding U.S. foreign policy towards Palestine.

The decision has been met with skepticism from the Irish Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, who dismissed it as an attention-seeking move by the party.

Martin remains hopeful for an invitation to the White House for the annual ceremonial handover of a bowl of shamrock, a tradition that has persisted through Trump’s presidency.

Traditionally, March 17 is seen as a key opportunity for the Irish government to promote its interests in the United States, and it has also served as a significant platform for Sinn Féin.

The joint announcement by McDonald and Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin’s first minister in Northern Ireland, underlines how this year's celebrations could diverge from past diplomatic engagements.

McDonald and O'Neill intend to engage with other leaders, particularly those in the Irish-American community who have historically supported Sinn Féin.

Since the 1990s, the party has maintained close ties with individuals who played a role in facilitating peace processes in Northern Ireland, including during the tenure of former President Bill Clinton.

O'Neill articulated the reasoning behind the boycott, emphasizing the importance of standing against injustice.

'People rightly look to leaders to stand against injustice,' she stated.

'And in the future, when our children and our grandchildren ask us what we did while the Palestinian people endured unimaginable suffering, I will say I stood firmly on the side of humanity.'

The boycott may create an opportunity for the Democratic Unionists (DUP), the principal pro-British party in Northern Ireland, which has traditionally been less visible during St. Patrick's Day events.

The DUP’s co-leader, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, plans to attend the White House celebrations.

Irish government officials have criticized Sinn Féin’s actions as unwise, especially amid speculations that Trump might target Ireland and its favorable business environment.

The new U.S. Treasury and Commerce secretaries have already marked Ireland as a country benefiting excessively from U.S. multinationals due to its low-tax policies, which has contributed to a significant trade surplus favoring Ireland.

Although Sinn Féin does not participate in Martin's coalition government, it retains considerable recognition in the United States and actively raises funds through its American affiliate.

McDonald has previously fostered a productive rapport with President Joe Biden, despite his administration's support for Israel, which reflects the enduring personal connections between the U.S. and Ireland.

In contrast, Trump has limited his interactions with Ireland to his golf resort on the Atlantic coast, marking a stark difference in engagement with the country.

Martin, who has recently returned to the role of Taoiseach, criticized Sinn Féin’s stance as opportunistic opposition.

He stated, 'I have a responsibility to the country,' underscoring the need for constructive engagement with the Trump administration, especially as the traditional welcome for St. Patrick’s Day festivities hangs in the balance.