Sir, – I note that Shane Ross TD, the Minister for Transport, has voiced his support for Taoiseach Enda Kenny to boycott the annual attendance at the White House on St Patrick's Day. I have also read many letters in The Irish Times over the last few days objecting to Mr Kenny's proposed attendance.
While I suspect that the majority of Irish citizens abhor the conduct, comments, behaviour and actions of President Trump, both before the elections and since he has taken office, I believe it would be entirely incorrect for Enda Kenny to snub the annual invitation to the White House for St Patrick’s Day. President Trump (as I write I still find it difficult to accept that as a reality) is the democratically elected leader of the US, irrespective of how perturbing and objectionable that fact may be for many. In that regard, Mr Trump represents the US and its people, irrespective of whether they voted for him or not. The fact that he lost the majority vote is irrelevant and I do not recall one Democrat decrying the electoral college system when Barrack Obama won back to back elections.
As Mr Trump takes the US down an increasingly isolationist path, with anti-secular policies and essentially encouraging fear and distrust in the hearts of its citizens, it is imperative that the rest of the world does not aid, abet and compound those policies by further ostracising the US from the international community. An invitation to the White House represents an opportunity for discourse. Of course Enda Kenny should accept the invitation. However, he should express the majority views of his fellow citizens that we do not support ethnic/religious profiling in banning refugees and people from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the US, irrespective of how futile the exercise may be and how those views may be received and probably ignored.
If he does not attend, he may very well contribute to creating a siege mentality in the collective psyche of the circa 50 million US citizens that voted for Mr Trump and potentially justify the policies enacted by him and his administration. – Yours, etc,
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ALLAN SWEENEY,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 14.
Sir, – Whatever Donald Trump’s issues with women, I don’t believe he has ever beheaded one for not saying her Friday prayers. He has never buried a woman up to her neck in sand and murdered her by throwing rocks at her head for the “crime” of being raped. He has never shot a little girl in the head with a Kalashnikov for wanting to go to school. Neither has he murdered his own daughter for the “crime” of marrying a man of her own choosing.
Yet these things are happening to women and girls in some countries right now, every day, and yet they go unprotested by those whose eyes are now ablaze with self-righteous rage at protest marches against Trump.
So be consistent. If you’re not prepared to also protest these crimes against women, then please keep quiet. It’s a lot easier and safer to hop on the bandwagon than protest against the evils of sharia law, isn’t it? – Yours, etc,
PETER KEATING,
Charleville,
Co Cork.
Sir, – The decision to introduce a “travel ban” is a disastrously regressive step capping an erratic and aggressive first week at the White House. Whether viewed politically or symbolically, the message sent to the world is destructive, divisive and alarming.
The condemnation has been widespread and swift. Senior Republicans have joined with Democratic politicians, attorneys general and dozens of legal experts in denouncing the ban as, variously, un-American, unconstitutional and contrary to established values and principles.
Our response to this development is important. As one of the few countries with annual access to the White House, it is vital that we take the opportunity to express our concern and opposition to this diminution of western ideals.
This response is best delivered in person, with clarity and confidence, by our head of government.
While the visit to the White House is the centrepiece, the value to Ireland of this access extends far beyond the meeting itself, which is largely ceremonial.
The true value resides in placing Ireland at the front and centre of US consciousness for a short period every March.
As anyone who has been in the US on St Patrick’s Day can attest, the Taoiseach’s visit receives extensive and huge coverage on all US networks. There are dozens of events held in all major cities.
Some, like the Ireland Funds, raise enormous sums for charity and help keep Ireland’s profile relevant and positive. The presence of the Taoiseach, Ministers, entrepreneurs and charitable and cultural ambassadors at such events is vital to maintaining an engaged diaspora and promoting a positive image of the country.
Abandoning the annual White House visit on the basis of one edict (now under judicial review) issued by the current incumbent would be an act of self-harm, as it would greatly diminish both our profile and standing in the country.
The White House is not the US. Our ties to this country are greater than, but protected in no small part by, this annual event.
We must continue to strengthen Irish-American relations as a whole by engaging with an administration whose stance on this issue we disagree with. – Yours, etc,
BARRY FLANAGAN,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.
Sir, – I note that Taoiseach Enda Kenny plans to use his St Patrick's Day visit to the Oval Office to confront President Trump "directly" on the travel ban and "say my piece". If that doesn't work, could I suggest that he threatens Mr Trump with a strongly worded editorial by the Skibbereen Eagle? – Yours, etc,
RONNIE SIMPSON
Bray,
Co Wicklow.