Highlight of the Week
The week’s paramount story was unquestionably the Government’s recognition of Palestine as a state. On Tuesday night, political circles were aglow with discussions about the planned announcement set for the subsequent day. Ireland – in collaboration with Spain and Norway – made the announcement after considerable organisation and behind-the-scenes negotiations, aiming to quicken the process of instigating a ceasefire.
While no significant decision is devoid of opposition, Ministers have privately expressed they’ve received a rare phenomenon – applause and backing from citizens of varied political views. Yet, Israel and its followers swiftly denounced the decision. Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, shared a post on X condemning the move as a reward for Hamas, accompanied by a video showcasing the Irish flag, Irish dancers and Hamas fighters with traditional Irish music as the background score.
Subsequently, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs called in the ambassadors of Ireland, Spain and Norway for a disapproving discussion, which the Tánaiste Micheál Martin termed as “improper and incorrect”.
Without any doubt, this week has thrust Ireland’s reaction to the conflict into international limelight. If other European nations follow suit, as some have hinted they may, it could lead to further isolation for Israel, with Ireland having significantly contributed to the cause.
The Clash
As the local and European elections loom just a fortnight away, it’s no shocker that the most heated exchanges in the Dáil this week centred on the housing issue. Prime Minister Simon Harris kicked off proceedings, brandishing charts and quoting from Sinn Féin press releases as both parties intensely disagreed over fulfilled and unfulfilled promises.
The squabble extended to Thursday, as Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien and Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty intensely debated. Doherty quizzed about Fianna Fáil’s 2020 election manifesto claim of constructing 50,000 affordable homes, each priced below €250,000.
“Where on earth are the promised 50,000 homes, Darragh? Weren’t they guaranteed under your governmental control?” To this question, O’Brien retorted, “Now that we have begun using our given names, Pearse, I assure you that I will revert to you regarding this issue. I am ready to abandon any direction and engage into a full-blown housing debate with you.” Tensions truly reached a boiling point.
Outside the confines of the Dáil, the agitation between the trio of Fianna Fáil candidates from Midlands North West remained palpable. An official statement released on Thursday brought forth the “rising issues” experienced by Fianna Fáil Senator and MEP nominee, Niall Blaney, with the party’s top brass.
“We are not merely an add-on or a Division 2 territory, existing only for second-rate vote backing to promote a Dublin-based candidate favoured by Fianna Fáil’s chief. The leader should campaign equally for each candidate, respecting the electorate’s preference.” This was a direct message to Micheál Martin. This issue is not going to fade away anytime soon..
But does this kerfuffle hold any significance for me? Struggles within the party are not an unprecedented phenomenon – particularly when there are three contenders sharing the same banner and a limited reservoir of resources. However, the squabbles might prove distasteful for the Midlands North West citizens. Alternatively, they might savour it. The crux of the matter very much revolves around the housing issue and the contention among parties, deciding which party is leading the debate efficiently. This segues into the next key subject..
Banana Peel
Recommendations from the recent Housing Commission’s analysis indicate an underlying shortage in Ireland’s housing sector, with an estimated deficiency of up to 256,000 homes. The report identifies these issues and external factors as contributors to the instability in supply, adversely impacting the affordability and if these problems aren’t promptly managed, it will persistently hinder progress with societal issues. Anticipate reference to this report repetitively by a bloodthirsty opposition gearing up for their most formidable political showdown, whenever it might unroll.
Victors and Vanquished.
Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, has recently enjoyed a successful few days. His tactics in dealing with Sinn Féin in the Dáil have shifted, according to latest polls, from appeasing the opposition to attacking them relentlessly, a strategy that can be a double-edged sword. His image, along with that of Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, has been disseminated across Europe following Ireland’s decision to recognise Palestine as a state.
This wave of media exposure reached its peak when Harris delivered a statement to the Israeli residents through CNN. He asserted that while Ireland respects Israel’s claim to peace and security, it must be noted that “the IRA does not represent the Irish people, just as Hamas does not represent the Palestinians”.
In a significant piece, Harry McGee probed the Housing Commission report to determine its likely impact and feasibility. Jack Horgan-Jones will offer a comprehensive article detailing the Irish government’s journey towards recognising Palestine.
The Inside Politics podcast this week features Hugh Linehan’s discussion with Cliff Young, the US head of polling at Ipsos. In the global political landscape stretching from local polls to the US, polling data implies Trump would triumph if elections were held in the present day. As Cliff Young stated, “Biden is not performing favourably… largely due to inflation.”