MICHELLE O’Neill is to travel to the United States where she will urge the American administration to help with the political stalemate in Northern Ireland.
The Sinn Féin vice-president will visit Wshington on Monday where she said she will press the US administration to press the British government to "prioritise restoration of the Assembly and Executive and progress the working of the Good Friday Agreement".
Ms O'Neill will meet with senior US officials and members of Congress to update them on the current political situation in the north, including the outcome of the recent council election.
Speaking ahead of her visit, she said: “The public have now spoken in two elections over the last year.
“They have sent a clear signal they want parties working together around the Executive table delivering for all.
"They want the Good Friday Agreement implemented.
“They want an Executive investing in health and public services, supporting workers, families and businesses through the cost of living crisis and maximising the economic opportunities of our unique access to two of the largest markets in the world.
“The continuing refusal by one party to form an Executive is hampering progress."
Michelle O’Neill to urge US administration to press British government to halt irresponsible political drift https://t.co/Q9diPCkdz8 pic.twitter.com/SnL5P3ze9M
— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) June 4, 2023
Ms O'Neill added that the British government’s" response to this boycott of our political institutions is lax, complacent and irresponsible".
"It has stalled the operation of the Good Friday Agreement and is leading to political drift. That must stop," she said.
“The United States has been a key partner for peace in Ireland for decades, and steadfast supporters of the Good Friday Agreement and I value that continued commitment.
“We will be urging the US administration to impress on the British Prime Minister during his visit to Washington this week to start working with their partners in the Irish government to prioritise restoration and the full implementation of the Agreements without any more delay.
"There is an onus on the two governments to realise the promise and potential of the Good Friday Agreement and its institutions."
