‘‘Some parties want to make progress, others want to make noise’’: Kildare TDs explain their decision to oppose Israel sanctions motion

Three Kildare-based TDs have explained their decision to oppose the motion calling on the government to impose sanctions on Israel last week.

The motion, which was proposed by the Social Democrats, called for a range of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel, and also called for the diplomatic credentials of Israel’s ambassador in Ireland, Dana Erlich, be revoked.

However, on Wednesday, November 15 last, the government's amendment to the motion was voted for by 85 votes to 55.

The four Kildare TDs who voted against the motion — Fianna Fáil TD James Lawless, Independent TD Dr Cathal Berry, and Fine Gael TDS Bernard Durkan and Martin Heydon — were given the opportunity to clarify their reason behind voting against the motion, following criticism on social media regarding their respective votes.

While Bernard Durkan TD did not respond in time for comment, James Lawless TD, Dr Cathal Berry TD and Martin Heydon TD were open to discuss their views.

Fine Gael TD Bernard Durkan.

James Lawless told the Leader: "The motions proposed by the opposition last week were misguided and potentially highly dangerous, as they jeopardised live and ongoing efforts by the Tanaiste, Micheál Martin TD, who was in the Middle-East all of last week, working on the release of Irish hostages from Gaza which he secured, through diplomacy.

"The Tanasite visited all countries in the region last week and used all diplomatic channels to enable Irish citizens to escape the region, many of whom arrived back to Ireland over the weekend; none of that would have been possible if we had chased short-term headlines and supported those motions."

He continued: "Diplomatic channels are maintained even in wartime, it is not a sign of friendship, but a channel of communication between states.

"It also allows Ireland to express our position on a ceasefire and the need to spare civilians in the conflict.

"Expelling an ambassador would place us on the fringe with no voice."

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Commenting on the prospect of a referral to the International Criminal Court, Mr Lawless, who is also a barrister, said: "The situation in Palestine is already under their jurisdiction and subject of a live complaint since 2021 and their lead investigator has already confirmed that all current events are included in that exercise.

"Doing another duplicate referral would just confuse things and could weaken Ireland’s position by being seen to politicise the court.

"I also note that one of the motions sought to suspend the research cooperation program between the European Union and Israel... this would simply have penalised students in universities there, many of whom have been vocal themselves calling for international law to be followed.

"I regret to say that I believe the motions were political theatre and the subject is far too important.

"They would not have made a jot of difference for a single person in Gaza or Israel, other than the Irish citizens being released into Egypt would almost certainly not have proved possible.

"Some parties want to make progress, others want to make noise."

In addition, Mr Lawless praised a recent editorial that was published in the Business Post, titled: "Sinn Féin's lack of nuance on Israel conflict should ring alarm bells for voters."

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"I BELIEVE IN ACTUAL DIPLOMACY"

Last month, Dr Cathal Berry TD, sat down with the Leader to discuss the current Israel-Palestine conflict.

Dr Berry TD, who previously served with the Defence Forces on peacekeeping missions in Israel, Syria and Lebanon, told the Leader that was 'not surprised' at the recent escalation, and added that when he was in Israel as a soldier, he likened the situation to 'a powder keg waiting to go off.'

He also said: "Ultimately, it's up to Israel and Palestine to organise the peace process amongst themselves."

"The priority should be a ceasefire, and the exchanging of hostages."

Now, Dr Berry TD has clarified his reasoning behind voting against the recent motion: "I find it unbelievable that some politicians would put our own people (in Gaza) and troops, some of whom are based in Kildare, at risk, and would undermine all the hard work by our diplomats, just for political self-interest.

"It's reckless and irresponsible."

Dr Berry continued: "We have seen it the last few days, with some of our citizens leaving Gaza, but that wouldn't have happened if the motion had gone through."

"I believe in actual diplomacy, rather than megaphone diplomacy," he concluded.

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"SANCTIONS ARE IMPACTFUL ONLY WHEN COLLECTIVELY ENFORVCED BY A COALITION OF STATES"

Martin Heydon TD also echoed similar sentiments voiced by both Mr Lawless TD and Mr Berry TD: "Recent proposals by the opposition regarding Gaza would have a minimal effect on the situation on the ground and could, in fact, diminish our capacity to engage in effective negotiations which is so important for Irish citizens caught up in the conflict.

"The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and other government Ministers have expressed continually their outrage at what is happening in Gaza, both at home and abroad. 

"We have called for a humanitarian ceasefire and continue to actively advocate for that wherever we can, particularly using our voice in Europe."

Mr Heydon TD continued: "As the Taoiseach recently discussed in the Dáil, when it comes to imposing sanctions, we must act multilaterally, as individually imposed sanctions lack effectiveness.

"Sanctions are impactful only when collectively enforced by a coalition of states.

"With regard to the motion calling for the Israeli ambassador to be expelled, we do need to keep diplomatic channels open with all sides; this will ensure we have as many options as possible to ensure the security of Irish citizens caught up in the conflict. 

"Were we to expel the ambassador, ours would likely get expelled from Israel and we would have no voice there to negotiate with when required."

"Diplomacy isn't solely about maintaining amicable relations, nor does it signify approval of a country's policies or deeds... we have citizens in Palestine and Israel, making it imperative to keep these communication lines open," he concluded.

In other news related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, it was announced earlier this morning that a four-day ceasefire has been agreed upon, in addition to the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza.