SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has hit out at Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump’s remarks about women, immigrants and minority communities are absolutely grotesque.
The Foyle MLA added that the remarks would render it impossible for him to attend any function under his presidency if he beats Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the race to the White House.
Mr Eastwood also called on other Irish and Irish American politicians to take a similar stance and boycott Trump functions if he is elected the 45th president of the United States of America.
He said: “Donald Trump has proven over the course of a 16-month campaign that he is not just a populist or a fool but a bigot.
“This man has plumbed the depths of dehumanising and dangerous rhetoric aimed at stirring up sectarian, racial and xenophobic hatred.
“His latest comments, which amount to condoning sexual assault on women, are a grotesque example of a man with a dangerous world view based on misogyny and unimaginable intolerance.
“As Leader of the SDLP and the progressive nationalist tradition on this island, I will not give any support to such an administration, founded on bigotry, by attending the White House under a Trump presidency.
“It is incumbent on other Irish and Irish American politicians to make similar declarations.
“The people of Ireland know, better than most, how dangerous the politics of hate and division can be.
“We have suffered at the hands of those who seek to divide people on the basis of their faith or their nationality.
“It is our duty, given the unshakable bond between our people and the people of the United States, to take a stand against those who seek to perpetuate similar division,” added the Foyle MLA.
