SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has called on Sinn Féin’s new northern leader to publicly state where she stands on the warm welcome promised to misogynist and sectarian bigot Donald Trump.
The SDLP Leader said Michelle O’Neill should rescind the invite immediately and break from the party’s tacit endorsement of Trump and the architect of the Muslim Ban Peter King.
He said: “The story of this island and of the Irish people is one of travel and traversing the world. Integrating and influencing communities across the globe.
“Our values are in distinct opposition to those displayed by Donald Trump.
“His methods of designed discrimination on the basis of religion are a throwback to sectarian division that should be opposed at every opportunity.
“It is astounding that the former First and deputy First Ministers offered Trump a warm welcome here, that they are eager to appease a man of his character and sell out their principles so quickly.
“Sinn Féin’s new Northern leader should now break from this tacit endorsement of Trump in return for the crumbs from his table and rescind this invitation.
“She should also distance herself from the close relationship the party shares with Peter King, a man labelled as the architect of the Muslim ban.
“This is an early test of the kind of the leadership people here are willing to show.
“Donald Trump wants to put America first. My only interest is putting Ireland first.
“Others can open their arms to a President intent on removing jobs from countries like ours and returning them to America.
“Or they can take a stand, as we will,” added Mr Eastwood.
