Northern Ireland’s first minister has urged the United States to bring the same critical approach to pursuing a ceasefire in the Middle East that it once brought to Northern Ireland.
Michelle O’Neill and her power-sharing partner, Emma Little-Pengelly, the deputy first minister, are on a trade mission to Washington, where they will meet President Joe Biden at events marking St Patrick’s Day.
Michelle O’Neill. Pic: PA
The first minister said: “When it comes to the Middle East, firstly, I will always recognise the constructive role that US administrations played in terms of the peace process.
“I don’t believe we would have had the Good Friday Accord if we had not had the role of the United States, so we’re grateful for that.
“But I think that same critical approach, practical approach, that they applied to the Irish peace process, they now need to apply to the Middle East.”
In their first joint interview since assuming office six weeks ago, the first minister and deputy first minister agreed that power sharing makes a difference in terms of attracting foreign investment.
Emma Little-Pengelly. Pic: PA
Ms Little-Pengelly said: “I do think that positive, joint leadership here this week is really important.
“We’re here as Irish and Ulster-Scott and in America, those are the two big traditions that have had so much influence over the centuries, not just in politics and presidents, but in terms of business and industry and that’s what we want to tap into.”
Ms O’Neill said: “We’ve had a very difficult past, but we are new generation leaders, and I’m determined we keep our eyes fixed on the future and what we can do to better all people’s lives.”
Ms Little-Pengelly added: “We’ve been determined to build that good working relationship.
“We know there are big challenges coming up… but by working constructively through that, building that robust relationship, it gives us the best chance of finding solutions.
“We are jointly sending that message that we want to focus on the things where we can agree, get that consensus.”
Destroyed buildings are seen through the window of a US Air Force plane in Gaza. Pic: AP/Leo Correa
Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in Gaza. Pic: AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg
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Asked if America had something to learn from two women, who are not retirement age, sharing power in government, they chose their words diplomatically.
Ms O’Neill said: “Domestic politics is for the American people. We’re relatively young, we can still say that, and determined to do our best to lead.
“People have their own observations about American politics, but I’ll stay out of that and beat our own drum in terms of what we’re trying to achieve regarding inward investment.”
Ms Little-Pengelly said: “There’s a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of goodwill for us and for Northern Ireland, and we want to maximise that for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.
“We can’t grow our economy alone, we need foreign direct investment, and we want to make Northern Ireland the thriving, better place we want it to be.”
I’m interested to see what our leaders will say in the US. I hope that they will be able to make a strong case for peace.
I think this is a great initiative from our leaders. It shows that they are committed to peace and that they are willing to work with other countries to achieve it.
I don’t think this is going to make any difference. The Middle East is a very complex region, and I don’t think that our leaders can do much to change things.
Oh, please. As if a ceasefire is going to happen just because our leaders asked for it. This is just a publicity stunt, and it’s not going to make any difference in the Middle East.
I hope that our leaders are able to make a difference in the Middle East. I think it’s important to show that we are committed to peace.
Oh, wow, I’m so impressed. Our leaders are going to the US to urge for a ceasefire in the Middle East. I’m sure that will solve everything.
I wonder if our leaders are going to bring their own peacekeepers to the Middle East. They might need them if they’re going to try to stop the fighting.
I’m amazed that our leaders are willing to go to the US to urge for a ceasefire in the Middle East. It shows that they are committed to peace.
Well, I’m sure the leaders of the Middle East are quaking in their boots now that our leaders have urged them to stop fighting. This is just another example of how out of touch our leaders are with the rest of the world.
It is important to note that this is the first time that Northern Ireland leaders have made a joint visit to the US to urge for a ceasefire in the Middle East. This shows that they are serious about their commitment to peace.
An excellent and timely initiative from our Northern Ireland leaders. The Middle East is in desperate need of a ceasefire, and it is heartening to see our own leaders playing a role in bringing about peace.
I think it’s important to be realistic about this. A ceasefire is not going to happen overnight. It will take time and effort from all sides.
I’m not sure if this is a good idea. Our leaders have a lot on their plate already, and I don’t know if they have the time or resources to get involved in the Middle East.
I agree that a ceasefire is necessary, but I don’t think that our leaders are the best people to be urging for it. They have their own problems to deal with in Northern Ireland.
I’m concerned about the safety of our leaders in the US. I hope that they will be able to return home safely.