David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Israeli goods, particularly those from the settlements, should be boycotted and there should be an expulsion of the Israeli ambassador.  I delayed in saying this, but he always has his fingers in his ears and just repeats slogans from Jerusalem.

I have received a considerable volume of correspondence, 90% of it in support of the Israeli side.  I respect all of my correspondents but it is clearly an organised campaign.  They all thank Ireland for voting the way we did at the UN.  That tells the story.  The Israeli spokesmen, all with South African, English or American accents, referring to the land of Palestine, also congratulated us.

The UN should accept full and permanent responsibility for the welfare of the people of Gaza.  If that means the deployment of an international force, fine.  This country should explore the possibility of using our civilian services, for example, the ESB, to rebuild the only power station in Gaza.  Cutting off electricity to people who are being squeezed into an appalling punishment camp, only to then cut back on food imports and claim - this is where I say "Nazi" - that Israel is placing the people of Palestine on a diet shows contempt for human beings.

We should stand against that contempt and in favour of human rights. I am in favour of human rights, whether one is Israeli, gay, a woman or black. I am not changing my position. I am not anti-Israel or anti-Semitic, but I am pro-human rights for every human being.