I read with interest the Irish Echo's report on Mayor Mamdani's inspirational words on St. Patrick's Day (Mayor Mamdani Broadsides British, Salutes Hunger Strikers, praises Irish Solidarity', 18 March 2026.)
I travelled to New York and attended the breakfast event at Gracie Mansion on St Patrick's Day.
Mayor Mamdani delivered an impassioned speech on the Irish contribution to human rights, standing on the side of justice and anti-colonialism in Ireland and across the world.
After the event with Mayor Mandami, I addressed the James Connolly Labor Coalition on the role of the US in progressing the cause of Irish Unity.
Connolly had been a labour organiser in the city, and I was proud to march along with labor leaders behind their banner on Fifth Avenue. 
While President Trump was ruminating in Washington on the merger of Ireland, North and South, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a proud Irish-American, made clear her unequivocal support for Irish Unity when asked at the parade.
For many, the annual influx of politicians to Washington for St. Patrick's Day celebration passes for engagement with the US.
All year round, Sinn Féin representatives travel across the US, hosting delegations, speaking at commemoration events, and organising discussions on Irish unity from San Francisco to Chicago to New York and all parts in between. There is life within and beyond the Washington beltway.
In the week before St. Patrick's Day, a Sinn Féin delegation led by my colleague, Louise O'Reilly TD, travelled to the State Capitol in Albany and New York City.
She met with New York State Assembly and Senate Members as well as supporters, labor unions, members of Congress and the wider Irish diaspora, sharing platforms with Mayor Mandami and labor leaders.
Over Easter, Sinn Féin representatives will speak at commemorations in Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, New York, Long Island, and Philadelphia.
At the centre of all these engagements was Irish unity. This is an extremely busy, but not unique, time for Sinn Féin in the US.
The US remains an important player in our peace process, and Irish America is an important part of the Irish nation.
The US facilitated the Good Friday Agreement. They have acted as guarantors of the Agreement, holding all parties and the governments to account.
During Brexit, the US withheld trade talks to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement would not be undermined and no hard border would be imposed across the Island.
A united Ireland is a hope that unites the diversity of Irish America—an unyielding dream held by generations.
The connection between the US and the Irish Republicans is deep and enduring. It is also robust enough to accept that we can agree to disagree on certain issues, while finding common ground in protecting the Good Friday Agreement and ensuring its full implementation.
The US can and must play a role as a guarantor of the Agreement to enact the right to self-determination as agreed. After all, a right delayed is a right denied.
The Unity debate is alive in the US, and the demand for people to have their say is irresistible in a nation built on democratic principles.
Sinn Féin's work across the US will continue. Together, we will secure and win Irish Unity referendums to build a new and united Ireland.
And that will be marked by a truly historic St. Patrick's celebration.
Is mise,
Cathal Mallaghan MP
Co. Tyrone, Ireland
