Dublin Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has invited New York Mayor Zorhan Mamdani to visit Dublin this autumn.
Ó Ríordáin put the visit in the context of the Irish government, indicating that they would invite Donald Trump to Ireland later this year, and said that Ireland must “show a different face of America.”
He criticised the government for “preparing to roll out the red carpet for Donald Trump.”
Ó Ríordáin has extended the invite to the left-wing mayor of New York, who has become a figurehead for progressive activists, with Catherine Connolly’s presidential campaign cited as taking inspiration from Mamdani’s successful campaign.
The Labour MEP said, “Dublin and New York share more than history—we share values. Cities built by migrants, powered by workers and strengthened by diversity. That’s the real story of both our cities.”
“I was so deeply disappointed to see Micheál Martin offer to roll out the red carpet for Donald Trump – for the pageant of the Irish Open this year,” he stated.
“In 2017, I organised the “Irish Stand” rally in Manhattan following Donald Trump’s first election, which brought together thousands in solidarity with migrants and raised significant funds for civil liberties. I was proud that year to march in the St Patrick’s Day Parade alongside Mayor Bill de Blasio with the first LGBTQI+ group to participate – that day was one of the proudest of my life.”
He said that Mayor Mamdani represents “a better America.”
“At a time when division and fear are being normalised in politics, we should be actively elevating leaders who bring people together and offer hope.”
“That is why, on behalf of the Labour Party, I have invited him to Dublin this autumn to send a clear message: this city belongs to everyone who calls it home. Dubliners want a politics that stands with the many—not one that panders to Trump’s hate and division,” he said.