There’s a tradition around St Patrick’s Day where Irish politicians head off to the White House for a bit of a hooley. Personally, I’ve always hated every last thing about this tradition: starting with the very notion that an institution like the White House is celebrating anything to do with my country; to the sad sack politicians from Ireland who attend the occasion.

If there was ever a time to put an end to it, last year was that time, given the US support for the genocide of the Palestinian people. Far from ending, it went ahead as normal.

But this year? Really? Would anybody with a brain want to be seen dead there?

The answer is yes.

Kudos to Sinn Féin for saying no this year. But they’re the only ones with the self-respect and courage to do so. The Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin, as well as Emma Little-Pengelly of the ‘Democratic’ Unionist Party and Mike Nesbitt of the Ulster Unionist Party are going.

I want Micheál, Emma, and Mike to know that when they’re shaking hands with Trump and giving him a bowl of shamrocks, that they’re not doing it in my name. That’s why I and thousands of others are supporting the Act Now protest against the visit.

Have a happy and peaceful St Patrick’s Day and please drink sensibly… or not!