The Workers’ Party have condemned the decision of the Northern Ireland First Minister and Deputy First Minister to invite US President George W. Bush to Belfast, saying that the President should not be welcomed to Northern Ireland because of his flagrant violation of international law and in particular because of the US invasion and occupation of Iraq.

The party was particularly scathing in its criticism of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin saying Mr. McGuinness wanted to be all things to all men and that Sinn Féin could not credibly masquerade as anti-war activists while at the same time ingratiating themselves with President Bush.

Workers’ Party General Secretary and Belfast Chairman John Lowry said that the invitation to President Bush was inappropriate and he signalled that the Workers’ Party would participate in protests against the visit when it occurs in the middle of next month.