Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
A NUMBER OF MINISTERS, party leaders and TDs are snubbing the US embassy’s annual Independence Day event this year.
The 4th of July celebration is to be held at the American ambassador’s residence in the Phoenix Park this evening.
Charge d’Affaires Reece Smyth will host the event titled United We Rock where there will be a garden cocktail reception featuring music by The US Army Rock Band, The Academic and Sibéal Ní Chasaide.
Junior Ministers Finian McGrath and John Halligan have both declined the invitations from the embassy.
A spokesperson for McGrath said the minister extended his apologies to the embassy a number of weeks ago.
It’s understood the minister had major concerns about attending the event, citing concerns over the Trump administration’s attitude towards the treatment of the Palestinian people, as well as the recent controversy over the separation of immigrant children from their parents in the US.
Palestine and immigration policy
Similarly, Halligan, who has long campaigned for the rights of Palestinians has said he has “serious concerns” about Trump’s administration of a number of issues in Palestine and US immigration policy.
Halligan and McGrath’s Independent Alliance colleague Shane Ross could not be contacted as to whether he will be attending tonight.
In addition to the two ministers not attending, Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin has said he will not be attending the event.
Joint leaders of the Social Democrats Roisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy have also said they will not be heading along.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan as well as all members of Solidarity-People Before Profit are also not attending.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is the only party leader hoping to go to the event tonight, however, his attendance is contingent to the parliamentary party meeting not running over, said a party spokesperson.
Meanwhile, a Sinn Féin spokesperson confirmed that Mary Lou McDonald will not be attending this evening. The Taoiseach will not be at the event due to him currently being in New York.
A spokesperson for Fine Gael said the party has no official policy on whether TDs and senators should attend tonight, stating that it is a decision for the individual politician to make.
A number of other ministers were contacted by TheJournal.ie, but only Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy confirmed that he would not be attending as he is dealing with Private Member’s Business in the Dáil this evening.
Labour Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin spurred on the boycott by calling on politicians to snub the event last week.
Today, he said on Twitter that he is “glad to see cross-party boycott of ‘Fourth of July’ party, adding that “some parties could do more”.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
I’m sick to the teeth of Enda Kenny. I cringe every time I see him and it gets worse when I remember he’s the leader of my country, how the hell did it happen???
People voted in an election
Ive spent 3 years trying to figure out that. Spineless useless get. Hes about to get his though. Knives are being sharpened
He became leader because Richard Bruton made a balls of the Fine Gael leadership challenge and Fianna Fail made a balls of the country. Wrong man in the right place so to speak.
Ther was a film about it a few years back called ‘The Accidental Taoiseach’……
I misread that.
I thought it said Enda’s brown bread!
Ah well, never mind.
Brilliant John
F*cking cringeworthy stuff. I actually got embarrassed watching that. Memories of the Calor Housewife of the year competition. And as for Enda. Suffering Jasus!
There’s a lot of Brown stuff pouring out of Enda’s mouth as it is without adding to it
I honestly don’t know how he shows his face in public. I’d be gone into hiding, never to be seen again.
Krusty the clown
Krusty the clown. Brilliant!!
” making brown bread ” sur Enda isnt that what the wimmin do best”
at least that would appear to be the case in regard to appointments to Junior Ministries or to the senate
Was having a great day till I seen the idiot walking about and he looked nackered time for him to retire lets hope shatter shatters him on late later tomorrow night.
Then again RTE won’t allow tubridy ask the correct question that will allow shatter shatter kenny
Well if I may interject in the bash the mayoman I want to stand up for the bread… Stunning!! I know – I’ve had it enough times! Well done on the “latest” win Betty!
At the start of the video, the presenter grabs the runners-up hand first of all and then swapsover. Poor woman probably thought she won.
Typical mayo flute
Did Enda not ask Betty Williams if winning the baking competition meant as much as the Nobel Peace Prize?
A*rse hole EU puppet
have your say