Little-Pengelly to visit Washington DC for St Patrick's Day

The Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has confirmed she will go to Washington DC next month for St Patrick's Day celebrations.

It comes after Sinn Féin said First Minister Michelle O'Neill would boycott the trip over US President Donald Trump's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Asked about her plans, Little-Pengelly said it was important to "maintain long and rewarding" relationships with the US.

"It's important we engage regardless of what our personal views may or may not be. That's what I'll be doing on St Patrick's Day," she added.

"I went to DC last year to meet President Biden, we'd have many policy areas where we disagree but when I go, it's engaging with the office of President."

When power-sharing is functioning, it is custom for the first and deputy first ministers to make the trip.

Traditionally politicians from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland take part in engagements in the US around St Patrick's Day.

This usually culminates in the taoiseach (Irish prime minister) presenting a bowl of shamrock to the US president in the Oval Office.

Last year, O'Neill and Little-Pengelly made the first joint St Patrick's Day visit by Executive Office ministers since 2016.

The Alliance Party and the SDLP have also said they will not attend the White House's St Patrick's Day celebrations.