Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has stated that attending the annual St Patrick's Day trip to the United States is essential for promoting Northern Ireland. Lyons emphasized the importance of engaging with American business and political leaders to foster investment and tourism, describing the visit as a crucial duty. While uncertainty remains over whether First Minister Michelle O'Neill will join the trip, Lyons confirmed his participation and announced plans for a dedicated event in Washington DC to highlight Northern Ireland's connections with the United States.

The trip comes amid ongoing debates about the appropriateness of such visits, with some officials considering international factors and recent US policies. Lyons, however, reiterated his commitment to representing Northern Ireland and strengthening ties, noting previous successful meetings with US leaders. He expressed enthusiasm for sharing Northern Ireland's history and current achievements during the upcoming visit.