Vandalised pro-Palestinian mural attacking Sinn Fein and Joe Biden repainted in Belfast

It was placed at the lower end of the Falls Road and is a recreation of a cartoon by Brazilian artist Carlos Latuff.

It depicted the leaders of Sinn Fein, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael meeting Mr Biden, with the caption: “Ireland says no to genocide Joe” alongside.

Earlier this week it was covered by black paint.

In a social media post Mr Latuff criticised the vandalism: “I’ve already had graffiti about police brutality defaced in Brazil. My cartoons are banned in Turkey, Egypt and Bahrain.

“But in Northern Ireland under the Sinn Fein government? Usually only dictatorships see cartoons as a threat. Isn’t Northern Ireland a democracy?”

The mural has since been restored and Mr Latuff praised those who repainted it.

It comes amid criticism from some quarters over Sinn Fein’s decision to visit the White House over St Patrick’s Day.

The party is visiting Washington as part of the annual trip by political leaders, despite criticism of the US’s ongoing support for Israel as it pursues its offensive in Gaza.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill confirmed Sinn Féin will attend St Patrick’s celebrations in the White House, as will the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald is also set to attend.

The decision to travel to the United States has been criticised by People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll who said it was “wrong” for Sinn Fein to go to Washington.

Speaker Edwin Poots and Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw, who chairs the Executive Office committee, will also travel to Washington for St Patrick’s engagements as officeholders, the Assembly Commission said.

The SDLP said it will boycott White House events.​

Stormont Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the US Chamber of Commerce, an event at Georgetown University and a number of other engagements.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Ms O’Neill said: “I am ambitious for a brighter future for our people and I want to harness the benefits of the special connection between ourselves and the US. This relationship was crucial to our peace process and continues today through investment, knowledge sharing and support.

“Now that government here is back up and running it is vital that we seek every opportunity to attract investment, grow our economy and deliver for our citizens.”

Deputy First Minister Ms Little-Pengelly said: “We have a strong relationship with the US and this week, our focus will be on showcasing Northern Ireland as a compelling investment opportunity and highlighting the many benefits of doing business here.

“These events give us the opportunity to engage with some of the most influential decisions makers at a senior level. I am confident they will see the potential we have to offer and recognise our commitment to doing everything we can to ensure Northern Ireland thrives.”