Sinn Féin’s Chris Hazzard MP was guest speaker at a number of Easter Rising Commemorative events in the USA over the weekend.
The South Down MP travelled to Chicago and New York where he engaged with Irish American organisations, trade union officials, cross-party US political representatives and Irish government officials.
Mr Hazzard said: “This past year has seen some unprecedented political developments in Ireland so it was important to update the US political system and the wider Irish diaspora as to the challenges and opportunities we continue to face.
“Irish America has long been a source of great support and strength for the Irish peace process and it is clear a new generation in America is keen to play its part in advancing progressive change here at home.
“Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement were widely discussed, with many voices in America reflecting the growing calls for the rights and entitlements of Irish citizens to be enshrined in future Brexit solutions and in a restored power sharing assembly.
“This determination to enshrine respect and equality is very pertinent bearing in mind that next week political representatives in Ireland, Britain, and America will come together to reflect on the progress of the Irish Peace Process on what will be the 20th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.”
