Tóibín jetting off to New York and Washington to seek support for Aontú

Tóibín jetting off to New York and Washington to seek support for Aontú

AontÚ leader and Meath West TD Peadar Toibin will visit Washington and New York later this month where he will meet with senators and members of Congress as well as the Irish diaspora.

Deputy Tóibín said Aontú has set up 'Friends of Aontú USA'.

"Over the last few years we have had a lot of Irish people in the US showing good interest in Aontú. Many have been asking how they can help to fix the growing problems in Ireland. Friends of Aontú USA is an opportunity for Irish people in the US to help.

"I have visited the US a number of times since being elected a TD for Meath West. Irish people in the US have stated over and over again that they are disappointed that the political establishment in Ireland pays so little attention to them. Many have said that other than St Patrick's Day in Washington, there is very little engagement. I think this is shocking. So many were forced to emigrate and now they feel forgotten about."

Deputy Tóibin said another reason for setting up Friends of Aontú USA is to harness good will for Irish Unity.

"The Irish independence project and the Irish in America have gone hand in hand for generations. I believe that we will see Irish Unity in the next 15 years. Irish America will be central to that.

"Aontú also wants to build leverage on Capitol Hill. We believe that this can positively shape the Irish American relationship from economics, to investment to Irish Unity. Having a significant presence in the US will help with that."

Deputy Tóibín will be in Washington DC on the 22nd and 23rd of January meeting with senators, congressmen and congresswomen. He will address a Friends of Aontú USA meeting in Connolly's Pub and Restaurant, 121 W, 45th St, New York from 5.30pm to 8pm on Saturday the 24th January.