Northern Ireland

Sinn Féin says 'England Get Out of Ireland' banner criticism is 'faux outrage'

anger: The image posted on the Sinn Féin Twitter account
anger: The image posted on the Sinn Féin Twitter account anger: The image posted on the Sinn Féin Twitter account

SINN Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has faced criticism for posing with a St Patrick's Day parade banner reading 'England get out of Ireland'.

Ms McDonald was photographed with the banner during a St Patrick's Day parade on Saturday in New York.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney described the banner as "offensive, divisive and an embarrassment", but Sinn Féin dismissed criticism as "faux outrage" and "political point-scoring".

The DUP, SDLP, Ulster Unionists, Alliance and the Green Party also criticised Ms McDonald over the banner.

Mr Coveney said on Twitter: "Mary Lou McDonald this is NOT leadership – it's offensive, divisive and an embarrassment – grow up, this is NOT #Ireland in 2019! We are better than this!"

The Fine Gael TD responded after Sinn Féin tweeted a photograph of Ms McDonald with the banner.

"No explanation needed #StPatrickDay Parade #NYC," the tweet read.

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Dismissing criticism, a Sinn Féin spokesman said: "The most divisive and offensive act on this island for almost the last 100 years has been the partition of Ireland.

The image was posted on Sinn Féin's Twitter account
The image was posted on Sinn Féin's Twitter account The image was posted on Sinn Féin's Twitter account

"It should come as no surprise that Sinn Féin wants a new united Ireland under the provisions of Good Friday Agreement.

"However if Simon Coveney and the government is serious about achieving a new and agreed united Ireland then he should immediately convene an all-Ireland forum on Irish unity."

DUP MP Gregory Campbell said Sinn Féin's "no explanation needed" caption summed up the party's attitude to explanations, truth and respect.

"When slogans such as 'Brits out' or 'England out of Ireland' are used the unionist community are well within their rights to see themselves as the intended focus," he said.

He added: "Like truth and respect, explanations are demanded, but never offered by Sinn Féin."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "Sinn Féin aren't capable of convincing unionists of anything. The rest of us will have a lot of heavy lifting to do."

UUP leader Robin Swann said described the banner as "highly offensive and wrong on so many levels".

He added: "It is sad that whilst others celebrate St Patrick in a respectful and non-confrontational manner, Sinn Féin return to type."

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said: "This banner is not just profoundly stupid (England is not now and never has been or could be in Ireland) but it sends out a hostile and offensive message to anyone English or of English extraction on this island."

Green Party leader Clare Bailey MLA said the "stunt" calls into question Ms McDonald's commitment to "equality and rights".

Ms McDonald was among numerous politicians from Ireland who were in the US for a range of events in the run-up to St Patrick's Day.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and DUP leader Arlene Foster were among those who travelled to the US.