Alliance convinced to abstain in Israel vote

Independent Alliance Ministers were convinced to abstain on a Dail vote today relating to the purchase of goods from the occupied territories amid protests from Israel, it can be revealed.

The Alliance — Ministers Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, John Halligan and Kevin Boxer Moran — have strong pro-Palestine views but are not backing the bill, following a “tetchy” meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.