Member's statement: St Patrick's Week in Washington DC

Member's statement by Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly on 23 March 2026.

MLA

Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

23 March 2026

Type

Member's statement (made as a minister)

Business

Members' Statements

Heading

St Patrick's Week in Washington DC

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5465220

Read the official Assembly record

Text

St Patrick's week in Washington DC offers unparalleled opportunities to build connections, establish relationships and promote and champion Northern Ireland. Last week, I travelled to Washington DC to engage in more than 22 meetings and events, not just as deputy First Minister but as an advocate for our people, our businesses, our tourism, our academic institutions and our ambition. I went to DC as part of my commitment to keep turning up, standing up and speaking up for Northern Ireland at every opportunity. In a world that is noisy and crowded, if you do not show up, your story does not get told; if you do not stand up, your interests do not get promoted; and, if you do not speak up, others take that opportunity for themselves. Over the course of the five-day visit, I engaged with hundreds of people: key decision-makers from the president to members of his cabinet, leaders on both sides of the aisle in the Senate and the House, business leaders, investors, young people and those with an interest in Northern Ireland. People who believe, as we do, that Northern Ireland is not defined by its past but inspired by its potential. I delivered a clear message: Northern Ireland may be small, but our ambition is not. Let me tell you something: they are listening. They heard how the people from Ulster, what is largely now Northern Ireland, helped build modern America 250 years ago and how the same driving values of hard work, grit, determination and innovation continue to define our people today. They heard how Northern Ireland is a place of innovation and talent, where global companies come not just to invest but to grow. Investors today see Northern Ireland not just as a location but as a launch pad. None of that happens by accident. Progress happens through engagement. It happens when we build relationships not just when it is easy but when it is necessary. It happens when we sit at tables, even with those with whom we might not always agree, and choose dialogue over distance. Relationships are not just soft power but real power. That was something that I was reminded of time and again in Washington. Strong economies are built on trust, and lasting peace is built on understanding. That is our responsibility: to keep reaching outwards and building bridges. Northern Ireland's story is still being written, and we decide what comes next. To our universities, tourism bodies, business organisations, political representatives and community and voluntary leaders, I say a huge "Thank you" for turning up, showing up and speaking up. When we do that together there is no limit to what Northern Ireland can achieve.

448 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:06 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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