Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)

As so many speakers have said, the war and the scenes taking place out there are horrific. Nothing hits an Irish person more than to see millions of young people, or any person, facing starvation. It could not hit a deeper note in the mind of any Irish person because we have had this in our own history. It is something that will never be forgotten in the history of this country and what is happening to the Palestinians now should never be forgotten either.

I will not be critical of the Government. We have to be very careful. Much of the Opposition thinks we should shout and roar, expel ambassadors and do all sorts of dramatic things. While that sells to the public, it could have serious implications in the long term. I have concerns that Europe seems to be hand-tied against speaking out more strongly and advocating for peace. That is why every politician in this House should advocate for a peaceful solution.

Ireland is a neutral country. I am very much a believer that we should always advocate for peace. I think the Government has been doing the best it can in a very difficult situation because if the EU, which is a stronger body, is unable to do something, how is Ireland going to be a superpower?

I listened to different speakers, one of whom mentioned going to meet the US ambassador on 4 July. I would be delighted to meet anyone if it meant bringing peace to the countries that are fighting. This country wants to lead on peace abroad. Shouting over fences and screaming and roaring are not going to deliver. We need to be able to talk to the American ambassador and others in this country and sit down around the table, regardless of the occasion, when we get the chance. We will never get peace if we keep roaring. We will only adding to the problem. I will take every opportunity I get, whether it is this week or next week, to meet anyone, anywhere to try to speak about peace and push the US Government, which has a strong influence on Israel, to advocate for peace through that channel.

One of the first things I heard was the Social Democrats calling for us to expel the Israeli ambassador. We have Irish citizens over there. I would have serious concerns for the welfare of those citizens if we were to go ahead and jump at that. That shows the immaturity that is out there. Of course, it is a great soundbite, it looks good and people get lots of likes on their social media for coming out with a statement like that but common sense must come into play here. We must do everything in our power to advocate for peace. Every hour of the day, we need to seek to meet the ambassadors. We need to bring them here, talk to them and see if we can advocate for peace. Rather than engage in dramatics, maybe we need to do the ordinary everyday things that bring peace to countries and bring people together.

There is some peace in Iran at the moment, which is absolutely needed. I support any peace efforts going on there. Bombing a country, whichever country it is, is not a way forward for peace. As a neutral country, we should stand strong and do our best to make sure the powers that be in Europe are working towards peace and the powers that be in this country, through our ambassadors, should be pushing very strongly for peace.

I see a lot of protests outside the House on this issue. I believe in democracy and it is important that people voice their concerns, but the protestors out there should be careful. I have gone out there a few times. I could have been talking in the Chamber for ten or 15 minutes on the issue and the next thing is I go outside and get roared at that I do not speak about anything or any of the issues. That is not the way to bring people with you. You have to respect what they are saying and understand that they are on the same side, the side of peace. Independent Ireland is on the side of peace and making sure, first, that there is no more massacres of innocent people, second, that the starvation of people has to stop immediately and people have to get food and, third, that immediate aid be provided to the hospitals that are being bombed and they at least be allowed some safety. There are innocent people who have gone out there to give their time to help people.

Another Deputy said he was getting a lot of emails.

We are all receiving a lot of emails about this issue, some of which are extremely genuine. I have also received a lot of phone calls on this issue. I spoke to a gentleman two or three days ago who said he never rang a politician in his life, but rang all of the politicians in Cork South-West. I spoke to him at length and he was in bits over what is going on. Much of what people see on social media today probably upsets people, but they are upsetting scenes. There is no point in anyone being in denial and no one on our end will ever condone what is going on.

We should be diplomatic in our way forward and seek peace through any channel possible. We should not condemn anyone who has a different way of trying to get peace. Some believe in shouting and roaring; more believe in sitting down around the table. I am a believer in sitting around the table and trying to see whether we can bring peace to the country. If that involves meeting our ambassador from America tomorrow, I would do it. I am not one bit afraid to say that. I will not stand behind others who think that is the wrong idea. No one will insult anybody, but we need to talk and open up the channels. That is an opportunity everyone should take. People should speak peacefully to others because we will never create peace when we are throwing stones from the other side and looking over the ditch.

See this speech in context