It is time for Ireland to stop procrastinating, show some real vision, and summon up the courage to formally recognise the state of Palestine, writes TP O’Mahony.

The United Nations Security Council expressed concern at the findings of an investigation that accused Israel of gross negligence and recklessness during the war in Gaza, but indicated it planned no action against the Jewish state.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today warned that “tough decisions” lie ahead after his Likud Party rejected his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.