“Dear Editor, – Weeks have passed since Taoiseach Simon Harris revealed his plan to solicit further guidance from the Attorney General over the legality of Ireland’s trading relations with Israel.
Initially, he seemed to acknowledge the value of strategic sanctions implemented by Ireland. He commented on how merely expressing a desire for a cessation of violence is insufficient, adding that there must be an exhaustive exploration of what a nation, as well as the European Union, can do to produce the conditions where a ceasefire becomes inevitable.
On the surface, this decision by the Taoiseach was perceived as a departure from the Government’s usual stance of dismissing independent action on trade ties with Israel.
It was put across that counsel from the Attorney General was forthcoming, an urgency fuelled by the relentless devastation in Gaza. Yet, we continue to wait. Regrettably, this has morphed into the norm in the “global north”, where expedited action against the errant nation of Israel is seldom seen.
Overseas, an Irish gentleman in California noted the self-absorption in conversation compared to typically older Irish individuals.
‘I’ve encountered welcoming conditions in Dublin city, making me feel wholly at ease.’
‘Practical inquiries regarding EVs: Are plug-in hybrids economical?’
Distinct activities have been observed among drivers, such as using laptops to watch games, eating breakfast cereal as well as grooming.
International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan, recently aired his vexation at the court’s delay in issuing the arrest warrants he advocated for in May. These were for Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and two leading figures from Hamas. It’s clear that the hold-up stems from the warrants for Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant, and not for the individuals belonging to Hamas.”
The imminent conversation the Taoiseach will have to face, once the Attorney General’s viewpoint arrives, involves political discretion. Our hopes lie in his judgement being steer by the visual testament of the past twelve months. In a sense, the Attorney General’s advisement, albeit legal, carries marginal weight given it is merely an interpretation not a ruling, with renowned law scholars already challenging the concept that autonomous sanctions would violate EU trading regulations.
The Taoiseach, Mr Harris, has the liberty to explore the boundaries of these directives even in the face of the Attorney General’s opinion, by advancing with the Occupied Territories Bill in tandem with other penalties. Given the distressing death toll, exceeding 41,000, inclusive of a large number of children, the civilian population of Gaza and the West Bank, in their battered state, merit no lesser response. The question, however, hinges on whether the Taoiseach possesses the necessary political determination? Sincerely,
FINTAN LANE,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.