Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I believe the ill-conceived strategy of dealing with the flotilla by military means ultimately had the effect of undermining the blockade and that the unacceptable killings and tragic deaths that resulted changed the entire situation. International pressure and reaction to the military attack on the flotilla was such that it rendered the policy of the blockade unsustainable. International pressure certainly intensified in the aftermath of the attack on the MV Mavi Marmara. I believe that is the fundamental reason we see a change with regard to the blockade.

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