Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I want to go back to the deplorable escalation of violence we have witnessed in Palestine and Jenin over the past week. In response to Deputy Carthy the Tánaiste rightfully mentioned the contribution of his colleague the late Brian Lenihan to the debate, as the first European politician to recognise the right of the Palestinians to a homeland. We recognise and remember this 44 years later because it was courageous and brave and because it stood out from the pack and demonstrated leadership. I ask once again that the Tánaiste's Government, in keeping with the memory he has of that contribution, demonstrates a similar level of bravery, courage and leadership in terms of stepping out from the pack and recognising the state of Palestine today. It should call for what it is the form of apartheid being inflicted on the Palestinian people by the state of Israel, and it should enact the occupied territories Bill. If the Tánaiste rightfully acknowledges that form of leadership there is an onus on us to step up once again and be the first to act.

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