Michael McDowell (Independent)

I second the amendment proposed by Senator Clonan to the Order of Business. Somebody listening to the Order of Business today would be struck by the consistent expressions of horror across the House at what is happening in Gaza. The terms on which we decry it, deplore it and condemn it are very important. The accusation being made against Ireland by senior politicians in the United States, egged on by senior politicians in the Israeli Government, that Irish people who support the ending of genocide in Gaza, who support a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli issue, and who support the maintenance of human rights on the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip are motivated by antisemitism, is a deep slur. As Senator Clonan said, it is a defamation against the Irish people and against their Government, and it is wholly insupportable.

I recall that Mr. Shatter, in book he wrote after he lost his seat, made particular reference to the then Opposition spokesperson, Deputy Willie O'Dea, who accused him of arrogance in the course of a debate. In the book, Mr. Shatter says this is a typical antisemitic trope. Antisemitism means hatred of the Jews as Jews. Any group of people in Israel who voice concern about what is happening on the West Bank and what is happening to the Palestinian Arabs in Gaza, including former prime ministers, cannot be accused of antisemitism with any credibility. Therefore, accusing the Irish Government, the Irish people, this House and this Parliament of antsemitism is totally out of order and must end.