IF the entirely justified international outcry that followed the May 31 killing of nine unarmed Turkish citizens on the Mavi Marmara was the catalyst for Israel’s decision to ease the land blockade on Gaza then some small good has come from the tragedy.

Cypriot authorities have prevented Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Fianna Fáil's Chris Andrews and Fianna Fáil Senator Mark Daly from leaving the island join the Free Gaza flotilla.