‘How dare you': Alan Shatter criticised in committee on Israeli settlements bill
Former justice minister Alan Shatter has been criticised for comparing a ban on trade with Israeli settlements to Irish TV show Father Ted.
Ex-Fine Gael TD Mr Shatter opposes the Irish Government's draft law banning trade with Israeli settlements on Palestinian lands that have been deemed illegal by the UN's top court.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Keir Starmer holds ‘constructive' call with Taoiseach on Troubles legacy plans
Keir Starmer stressed the importance of 'consensus' in handling the legacy of the Troubles as he spoke to his Irish counterpart on Friday. In a phone call with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the British prime minister had what Downing Street described as a 'constructive discussion' on dealing with the legacy of the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland. A Number 10 spokesperson said the two men had 'underscored the importance of a way forward that built consensus', before turning to economic issues and the UK-EU relationship. Mr Martin himself echoed Downing Street's comments, tweeting that he had had a 'constructive discussion with British PM Keir Starmer today on a framework for dealing with legacy'. The call came as Mr Starmer faces pressure from some of his own backbenchers over plans to repeal and replace legislation passed by the previous government that halted investigations into all but the most serious allegations involving Troubles-related cases. Downing Street and the Taoiseach described the conversation as 'constructive' (Peter Byrne/PA) The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act has been criticised by human rights campaigners for granting conditional immunity to suspects. That provision was ruled incompatible with human rights laws by the Northern Irish courts, prompting Labour to commit to replacing legislation it described as 'flawed and failed'. But that proposal has brought condemnation from former British soldiers who fear it will open the way to vexatious prosecutions and civil claims. Opponents are also reported to include some Labour MPs, including veterans minister Al Carns. A former Royal Marine and special forces officer, Mr Carns was reported by The Times to be considering resigning over plans to repeal the Legacy Act. But earlier in the week, Downing Street said the Government was 'working in lockstep' on the issue. A Ministry of Defence source also played down the prospect of Mr Carns quitting, but told the PA news agency it was a 'tricky issue' and 'when you are making policy there is always going to be debate internally'.
The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
Talks continue to convince US officials to renew support for Lebanese peacekeeping mission
BACKROOM TALKS ARE continuing between Irish officials and their United Nations and European counterparts to find a way to convince the US to renew their support for the Lebanon peacekeeping mission. The Tánaiste Simon Harris held talks today with UN and European counterparts in a bid to secure the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate in Southern Lebanon. The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on whether to continue the mandate for the mission in August. Harris met with Italian and Lebanese officials today having discussed the issue with the new US ambassador in Dublin, Edward Walsh. The Irish efforts in recent days are focused on the Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani as an Italian military leadership team is now the leaders on the UNIFIL mission. As revealed by The Journal there were concerns among participating countries that American diplomats would use their veto to block the renewal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Mission in august. US real estate mogul Tom Barrack, a close confidante of Donald Trump, was in Lebanon and Israel recently to carry out an assessment of the mission. A diplomatic source said that there is 'uncertainty' about how the US will ultimately vote given how unpredictable the Trump Regime is but recent assessments among Irish officials are that there is 'cautious optimism' that the talks will be successful. It is understood Harris also met with United Nations Peacekeeping Chief, Jean-Pierre LaCroix. Advertisement Harris also had a phone call with the Lebanese Foreign Minister to discuss Youssef Rajji. 'This afternoon's calls were an important opportunity to express Ireland's strong commitment to UNIFIL and share perspectives on the upcoming renewal of its mandate. 'Since 1978, participation in UNIFIL has been a key demonstration of Ireland's commitment to international peacekeeping. I remain exceptionally proud of the Defence Forces members serving in UNIFIL and the contribution they make every day. 'It is clear to me, including through my visit in March this year, that UNIFIL continues to play a vital role in ensuring stability and security. 'Ireland remains committed to supporting peace and stability in Lebanon including through the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the renewal of UNIFIL's mandate in the coming weeks,' he said. Officials are to hold further engagement with their French colleagues next week while Harris will hold further talks with the French Foreign Minister John-Noel Barrot next week. Last week Poland, which is stationed with 340 Irish troops in South Lebanon as part of IRISPOLBATT also backed the extension in a statement. Earlier this week the Government discussed the renewal negotiations at Cabinet. In today's discussions with the Lebanese Government Harris again raised the killing of Private Seán Rooney in Lebanon in December 2022. While a number of men, who are suspected Hezbollah members, have been charged they have not stood trial yet. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Simon Harris holds calls with EU and UN over Unifil mandate
Ireland remains committed to renewing the Unifil mission, the Tánaiste has said. Simon Harris held discussions with EU and UN counterparts on Friday in a bid to secure a continuation of the mission ahead of the renewal of its mandate at the end of August. He held separate calls with UN under secretary general for peace operations Jean Pierre LaCroix, foreign minister of Italy Antonio Taranji, and foreign minister of Lebanon Youssef Raggi. Speaking afterwards, the Tánaiste said: 'Since 1978, participation in Unifil has been a key demonstration of Ireland's commitment to international peacekeeping. 'I remain exceptionally proud of the Defence Forces members serving in Unifil and the contribution they make every day. 'It is clear to me, including through my visit in March this year, that Unifil continues to play a vital role in ensuring stability and security. He added: 'Ireland remains committed to supporting peace and stability in Lebanon including through the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the renewal of Unifil's mandate in the coming weeks.' In the call with Mr Rajji, Mr Harris also discussed the ongoing trial of those accused of killing Private Sean Rooney in Lebanon in December 2022. He said: 'I underscored the importance of ensuring accountability and justice in this case for the family of Private Rooney, the Government and people of Ireland.' Mr Harris will hold further talks on the matter, including with the French foreign minister who is leading the bid to secure the renewal of the mandate. Poland has also said it believes the mission must continue for the stability and security of the region. Mr Harris told Cabinet this week that the Unifil mission is vital for retention and morale of Irish troops, as well as Ireland's 'unwavering commitment to international peace and security'. Read More Delays to infrastructure projects are damaging job prospects – Taoiseach
