Meath Ireland-Palestine Solidarity members along with a number of Meath councillors protested outside the headquarters of Meath County Council at Buvinda House in Navan last Thursday. The event was organised by the council to launch its involvement with Irelands EU Presidency. Meath County Council was also linked with the country of Italy to foster goodwill, tourism and business with each country.
However, members of the Meath-Palestine outlined their feelings on their Facebook page which states, ” We demand Ireland and the EU cut all trade and cultural ties with Israel. The Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil Government cannot pick and choose which international laws they uphold. They took a hardened stance on Russia and will not do the same with Israel. It is hypocritical and it is criminal. The overwhelming majority of the people of Ireland want the government to act, want Israel sanctioned and boycotted and they refuse to act.”
Independent Cllr Alan Lawes pointed out he was” glad to support” the protest as an opportunity to voice his dissatisfaction as to how, the EU, the Irish government are failing to instigate adequate legislation and sanctions. He said ” We’re looking at the Irish government, they failed us when it came to the Occupied Territories Bill,” adding,” the EU is failing to take sanctions against Israel as well.”
He concluded,” So, I was glad to support this group here today, and my fellow councillor, Eddie Fennessy (SF). We have to put as much pressure as we can on our own government, on the Italian government and on the European Union, to make sanctions, because the genocide is continuing.”
Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sarah Reilly, along with government ministers, diplomats and the chief executive of Meath County Council addressed the crowd to celebrate the EU Presidency at this flag raising event.
The flag raising was carried out at the front of Buvinda House and made by Cathaoirleach, Cllr Sarah Reilly with further speeches held at the back of the offices. Speeches were also made by Ambassador of Italy to Ireland, H.E. Nicola Faganello, Ambassador of Ireland to Italy, H.E. Elizabeth McCullough, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD and CEO, Chief Executive, Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe. By and large, respect was shown by the protesters with some heckling at times during the addresses made.
