Robinson rejects pro-Israeli criticism of award

FORMER President of Ireland Mary Robinson has hit back at pro-Israeli critics of her selection as recipient of a US Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Ms Robinson served as United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees during the 2001 Durban Conference against racism and was seen by Jewish leaders as not taking enough action to deter the anti-Jewish and anti-Israel actions at the conference.

She was also seen as a tough critic of Israel’s use of force against the Palestinians during her term in office.