Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA responded to Irish President Catherine Connolly's St Patrick's Day message. Connolly stated that Ireland has maintained peace without interruption since 1958.

Burrows spoke from Washington DC. He called on Connolly to consider Ireland's insufficient defence spending and lack of NATO membership. He noted that Ireland depends on the UK Royal Navy and RAF for coastal protection.

Burrows also pointed to Ireland's role during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He said money and weapons went to the IRA from the Republic of Ireland. Irish state-manufactured explosives appeared in Provisional IRA bombings in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Republic of Ireland served as a safe haven for Provisional IRA members, Burrows stated. He added that it refused 97 percent of UK extradition requests for republican suspects.

These actions denied justice to victims and sustained paramilitary operations, according to Burrows.

Connolly stressed Ireland's neutrality and post-colonial viewpoint as assets for global diplomacy. She urged commitment to peace and adherence to UN principles.

Burrows affirmed support for good relations and cooperation with the Republic of Ireland while rejecting inaccurate statements.