Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I concur with other contributors and recognise that the Tánaiste and the Government were out very promptly, as, I think, were all political parties represented in these Houses, in condemning the barbaric slaughter of innocent people. A ceasefire, a de-escalation, a release of all the hostages and an opening of the humanitarian corridors are absolute imperatives. For words of condemnation to have true meaning and credibility, they must be consistent. It is disappointing that in other quarters, not from these Houses, people could not bring themselves to condemn such slaughter, notwithstanding the deep pain, upset and unfairness that has been inflicted on them in the past. Brutal murder is brutal murder. If Israel wishes to raze the Gaza Strip to the ground, which it may have the might to do, it will act only as a recruitment sergeant for further insurgents.

Ireland, as a credible broker, must get that message across. Ireland has a track record in peace negotiation. Can we share those skills? Ireland has its own political goals. I, like many, would like to see a united Ireland. The best friend of achieving that goal has been the silencing of the bombs and guns. If only that message could get across to other people. What is already a powder keg is now on a knife-edge. There has to be maximum restraint. Long-term solutions, while laudable, seem so far away this morning. Can Ireland's influence and voice, in its own right and in the EU, be heard to stop this carnage from further escalating? How exactly can we get that message across? It might seem common-sense from here but in other parts of the world it is not. Like so many from all political quarters in this country, I am deeply worried and concerned about the short-term future. We have condemned Israel's unprovoked, disproportionate response of violence in the past. We have to be consistent in condemning this huge slaughter. It is Israel's 9-11. Can that voice of Ireland be heard through the Minister of State and the Tánaiste? Our country has a deep concern about what is happening in the Middle East and always had. I just worry. Now is the time for a country such as Ireland to stand up like never before and our important voice to be heard and to be effective.