Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

Mr. Higgins has a long-standing tradition in the areas of human rights and international policy. He has informed my party's opinion on these matters for many years. It is from a related position that the Tánaiste, representing Ireland, is at the forefront in seeking to have agreement across all nations on the long-awaited international recognition of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine. It is too early to say what the outcome of that process will be. I understand from New York that there is an expectation that a position acceptable to all will emerge. I hope that will happen in the next day or two.

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