The SDLP has ruled out attending any events for St Patrick's Day in Washington next month.
Traditionally, political leaders from across the island travel to the US capital every March to take part in events.
These include the presentation by the Taoiseach of a bowl of shamrock to the US President at the White House.
However, SDLP leader Claire Hanna said her party will not take part for the second year in a row due to the stance taken by the US over Gaza.
As an Irish political party we can't in good conscience go to Washington for St Patrick’s Day this year.
— The SDLP (@SDLPlive) February 11, 2025
Ireland has a proud history of solidarity with Palestine.
The values of the SDLP are simply not compatible with what we’re seeing and hearing from Donald Trump on Gaza. pic.twitter.com/U1DiCjUqjJ
"Last year, the SDLP made the decision not to send anyone to Washington for St Patrick's Day as we could not endorse the US government while it armed and supported the bombardment of Gaza," she said.
"We hope the fragile ceasefire will deliver a lasting peace and the return of hostages to their families, but the rhetoric of Donald Trump, around the displacement and ethnic cleansing of millions of people, is absolutely beyond the pale.
"We can't in good conscience attend parties hosted in that context."
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have not yet indicated if they will attend St Patrick's Day events in the US this year.
Speaking last month, Ms O'Neill said: "We still haven't received an invite, but we'll judge all that when it comes to it."
Taoiseach should not go to Washington
Separately, Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger said Taoiseach Micheál Maritn should "not go to the White House on St Patrick's Day" due to US President Donald Trump's policies.
Speaking to reporters at Leinster House, Ms Coppinger said in her view the Taoiseach should explain what would need to happen for him not to travel to the White House for the annual event, if he is invited.
She said she believes a number of domestic and international policies from Mr Trump, including those relating to Gaza, have caused concerns in Ireland and abroad.
However, she said: "The Taoiseach seems determined to go, come hell or high water."
Last week, Mr Martin said he expects to be invited to the White House to mark St Patrick's Day, where he will raise "a broad range of issues" with US President Donald Trump.
"It's a time-honoured tradition which we appreciate," Mr Martin said.
"President Trump - when he was previously president - continued with that tradition.
"Ireland and President Trump worked well in that period, and we want a constructive engagement and relationship," he said.
