Independent TDs vote against Government to back Sinn Féin bill on Israeli government bonds

This is the first time a Regional Independent TD has voted against the Government since the formation of the Coalition

Independent TD Barry Heneghan voted in line with Sinn Féin. File Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Independent TDs Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole have voted against the Government, in the first departure since the formation of the Coalition.

The TDs voted in line with Sinn Féin, backing the party's legislation seeking to prohibit the Central Bank from dealing in Israeli government bonds.

In a statement, Mr Heneghan defended his decision, saying it was about "standing up for international law and basic human rights".

'I'm voting for the bill because Ireland shouldn't facilitate the sale of bonds that help fund the devastation in Gaza," Mr Heneghan said.

"This is about standing up for international law and basic human rights.

"I'm fully committed to the Programme for Government, but as an Independent TD, I reserve the right to act on matters of conscience. The situation is urgent, and Ireland must show leadership."

This is the first time Regional Independent TDs have voted against the Government since the formation of the Coalition.

However, the Government still won the vote and the Sinn Féin legislation will not progress any further.

After the result was confirmed, Sinn Féin TDs in the chamber held up white paper signs calling for the Government to "ban Israeli bonds".