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Good morning, John
This past week, the DUP once again demonstrated that our job is to turn up, stand up, and speak up for Northern Ireland.
While others - Sinn Fein, the SDLP, and Alliance - chose to grandstand and boycott the events in Washington to mark St Patrick’s Day, our party colleagues Emma Little-Pengelly and Gordon Lyons took the opportunity to build relationships, strengthen economic ties, and advocate for our people. It was revealing that the self-imposed exile of Michelle O’Neill, Claire Hanna and Naomi Long wasn’t even on the President’s radar, yet he warmly welcomed his “new friends from Northern Ireland” to the White House. That tells you everything you need to know about just how ineffective and irrelevant their boycott has been.
This trip has a clear purpose for the DUP: to foster political relationships, develop economic opportunities, and enhance cultural links between Northern Ireland and the United States. Engaging with the most powerful leaders in the world is about making the case for Northern Ireland. You don’t have to agree with everything someone says or does to advocate for your people. If our own political arrangements have taught us anything, it’s that political relationships are often necessary, even when they’re not with whom we would choose.
Emma Little-Pengelly has made a hugely positive impression in Washington and beyond. Emma’s meeting with President Trump, discussing key economic issues and opportunities for Northern Ireland, was an important opportunity to put our priorities on the President’s radar. She also engaged with businesses leaders in regions where we are eager to build stronger trading ties.
A crucial part of these discussions was ensuring Northern Ireland remains protected from potential tariffs imposed on the EU and UK. We made it clear that the unacceptable arrangements under the Windsor Framework leave us vulnerable in a scenario where tariffs are imposed, and we pressed the case for Northern Ireland’s position to be properly recognised.
Gordon Lyons, in his role as Communities Minister, has done a fantastic job representing Northern Ireland in the U.S. Thanks to his work, Northern Ireland will now play a central role in the 250^th anniversary commemoration of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. This marks the culmination of months of engagement, highlighting the historic contribution of the Ulster Scots to America’s story. It is an honour for Northern Ireland to be among the select few countries playing a prominent role in these historic celebrations.
As they return to Northern Ireland later today, I want to say a huge thank you to both Emma and Gordon for doing their jobs with the seriousness and determination our people expect and deserve. Their tireless work has not only fostered invaluable relationships but also opened doors that were previously closed - doors that will now remain open to us. This is the DUP at its best: taking responsibility, seizing opportunities, and building on these achievements to ensure Northern Ireland’s voice is heard.
You can hear more about Emma and Gordon’s time in the US by tuning into my chat with them on The Lions Roar podcast, linked below,.
Wishing you all a Happy St Patrick’s Day!
Gavin Robinson MP
DUP Leader
** The Lions Roar Podcast - US Special
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** Weekly review with David Brooks MLA
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