SDLP leader Colum Eastwood
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA has expressed his deep disappointment after Donald Trump was elected President of the United States of America this morning.
Mr Eastwood said: “Across the western world, politics is facing a dark and difficult moment.
“As Rowan Williams recently wrote, we are now understandably terrified about the potential triumph of a politics of resentment, fear and unchallengeable untruthfulness.
“That was true post Brexit; it feels so much truer now.
“As things fall apart, the centre ground is struggling to know what is worth holding on to. Mainstream politics remains uneasy and unsure as to its place, its power and its purpose.
“Donald Trump has swept in to fill this vacuum. Trump’s victory was anti-establishment, anti-immigrant and most particularly anti-globalisation.
“This morning there will be the easy and understandable temptation to turn to anger at the ignorance, misogyny and racism which has fed this victory.
“I am conscious that this is particularly the feeling amongst a huge swathe of young people, not only in America, but across the world.
“Instead of anger though, I think it would be better for us all if we displayed the softer sentiment of sadness.
“It would be better if we reflect on and react to this result and ensure that his victory and vision is not one which endures.
“Trump’s was not so much a victory of right over left, it was a victory of fanatical and fantasy absolutism over a more considered, coherent and kinder politics.
“This is increasingly the choice that western electorates now face.
“It is for this reason I have said that I will not attend a Trump White House.
“I choose to stand by a very different set of values than those displayed by this man.
“I will understand if those in government, North and South, feel a duty of office to attend.
“However, I feel it is important that as an Irish leader I take a stand, even if only small and only symbolic, for the kind of politics which we continue to believe in.
“I will continue to work with our many friends across America.
“Trump’s presidency will not stop that engagement with business and political figures.
“It will not stop that special bond of friendship and history which will endure beyond the Trump presidency,” added the Foyle MLA.
