Read more: Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams slams Queen Elizabeth’s upcoming visit to Ireland

Sinn Féin President and Louth member of parliament Gerry Adams will represent Sinn Féin next week at a number of events in Washington and New York.

Adams has been invited by President Obama to the White House reception and by the Speaker of the Congress to attend the annual Speakers lunch. He will also meet the Friends of Ireland Committee, as well as other senior Congressional and Senate members.

In New York he will speak at a wreath laying ceremony at the republican plot in Calvary Cemetery New York in memory of the hunger strikers who died 30 years ago this year.

In a statement  Adams said:

“I am very pleased to take the opportunity to travel to Washington to represent Sinn Féin. It will provide me with an opportunity to thank President Obama and other senior US politicians for their continued support for the Irish peace process.

While I am there I will hold a number of key meetings with senior political figures in the Congress and discuss with them outstanding matters arising from the peace process.

There has also been keen interest in the outcome of the recent general election, Sinn Féin’s success in it and in my election to the Louth and East Meath constituency.

Regrettably because of leaders questions in the Dáil on Tuesday I will not be in Washington in time on Wednesday to attend the Congressional Hearing on the events in Ballymurphy in August 1971.

However, Rita O Hare who has played a major role in helping to secure the hearing for the families will be present.

Read more: Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams slams Queen Elizabeth’s upcoming visit to Ireland