Palestine protest sees US envoy change meeting plan

Joe Kennedy III is the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs

The US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III changed his meeting plans in Londonderry due to a small pro-Palestinian protest.

On Wednesday, he had been due to attend a meeting of the Magee taskforce - which is exploring ways to expand Ulster University’s campus in Derry.

The taskforce's chairman confirmed that the American politician stayed away from the meeting after learning of the protest.

But, later on, he did go ahead with a tour of the campus on Northland Road.

The Magee campus of Ulster University on Northland Road in Derry

The protest inside the building was attended by five people carrying a Palestinian flag and pro-Palestinian posters.

Organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement, Donegal, it comes against a backdrop of student demonstrations on university campuses across the US and Europe in protest at Israel's ongoing military action in Gaza.

Taskforce chairman Stephen Kelly said the protesters were asked if they wanted to talk to Mr Kennedy but they declined.

"[The] decision was taken by Joe Kennedy's team that it was probably wise not to disrupt our meeting in any way and our meeting with him didn't take place," Mr Kelly said.

"So, frustrating on one level - there’s an opportunity here to get the delivery of Ulster University at Magee pushed on and we didn’t have the full chance to have that full conversation but he had a briefing about the work that we’re doing and he’s keen to pick up that conversation again."

Mr Kelly said he accepted people’s right to protest and the protesters were welcome to be there.

Who is Joe Kennedy III?

Mr Kennedy is the grandnephew of former US President John F Kennedy. He is currently the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs.

In a statement on X, Mr Kennedy said it had been "great to engage" with Ulster University to learn more about their ambitions for expansion.

The US Department of State described his meeting with university officials in Derry as "constructive".

“Discussions focussed around the expansion of the campus and the genuine economic benefit this will bring to all communities in the city and wider region," a spokesperson said.

Ulster University has been approached for comment.