Palestinian flag unfurled on grounds of Leinster House despite Ceann Comhairle refusal

Bríd Smith said: 'The double standards are breathtaking'

Bríd Smith flew the Palestinian flag as part of efforts to commemorate Nakba Day. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos.

A People Before Profit TD unfurled a Palestinian flag on the grounds of Leinster House on Wednesday, despite refusals from Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl to fly the flag.

Bríd Smith flew the Palestinian flag as part of efforts to commemorate Nakba Day, which remembers the destruction of the Palestinian society and the permanent displacement of Palestinians following the establishment of the Israeli state in 1948.

When Ms Smith unfurled the flag on the lawn of Leinster House, local PBP activists and candidates cried out with chants of "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free".

However, Ms Smith was scolded by Leinster House ushers for flying the flag, with requests for her to take it down within the grounds of the Oireachtas.

Speaking to reporters, Ms Smith described the refusal of Mr Ó Fearghaíl to fly the Palestinian flag as double standards, due to the Ukrainian flag being in place since the invasion by Russia over two years ago.

“This day is all about Palestine. Why I’m here is because we repeatedly asked for the Oireachtas to fly this flag for one day, Nakba Day, and we’ve been refused by the Ceann Comhairle,” Ms Smith said.

“If you look up, you’ll see the Ukrainian flag, that’s there for the last two years. Not one day will they give the Palestinian flag. The double standards are breathtaking.” 

Bríd Smith said: 'This day is all about Palestine. Why I’m here is because we repeatedly asked for the Oireachtas to fly this flag for one day, Nakba Day.' Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos.

Ms Smith said that it was “disgraceful” that the flag was not permitted to be flown.

“Shame on the Oireachtas, shame on the Irish State for taking this position and for not — for one day alone — giving the symbolic support that the Palestinian people need.”

In a letter to People Before Profit TDs, Mr Ó Fearghaíl declined to have the flag flown within the Leinster House complex, but highlighted Ireland’s efforts to recognise the Palestinian State.

Mr Ó Fearghaíl wrote in his letter: “As you are aware, Ireland and Spain are leading a European initiative on the recognition of the State of Palestine, which hopefully will bear fruit shortly. 

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"Like so many people, I abhor the human suffering and deaths of so many innocent people and I have no hesitation in condemning the attacks and breaches of international law.”

“However, I want to ensure that the Oireachtas does nothing which is unhelpful to the situation, insensitive to either side in the conflict or hinders Ireland’s important work at international level.

“Accordingly, I do not believe that it is appropriate at the present time to display either the Palestinian or Israeli flag in Leinster House.

“It is my fervent wish that the wars and conflicts in various parts of the world end soon.”