Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald will not make her customary trip to Washington DC for St. Patrick's Day this year.
In a statement issued by the Sinn Féin press office on Friday, it was confirmed that McDonald would back out of the trip "due to current circumstances."
Speaking about the decision, McDonald confirmed that Michelle O'Neill would take her place. McDonald said: "Sinn Féin Vice President and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill MLA will make a short trip to the US and will attend several events in Washington."
While no specific reason was given in the statement, McDonald had confirmed last week that her children are students at one of the schools that has been temporarily closed over coronavirus fears. At that time, McDonald said that she "would like to stay close to home."
McDonald said that it is a “worrying time” for parents and staff at the school, particularly for the family of the student affected, to whom she wished a speedy recovery.
Sinn Féin have also cancelled scheduled rallies in Cavan and Galway as a result of concerns over the virus.
As things stand, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will still be visiting Washington DC for 17 March, and many other government ministers will travel to different major cities, as per tradition.
