'People just need to talk': Ireland to continue push for Gaza ceasefire and two-state solution

The Government should be rightly held to account for the litany of problems at home. But, as support for a ceasefire in Gaza began to swell in recent weeks this is an example where it has gotten one right, according to ex-diplomat Niall Holohan

Israeli military vehicles in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, December 17. Ireland has signalled that it wants a proper political deal for the Palestinians that maybe goes as far as pointing the road towards a two-state solution. Photo: AP/Ariel Schalit

In the Dáil on Wednesday, October 11, after the horrific Hamas attack a few days prior, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald put to the Taoiseach that the “question for Ireland and the Government is what part Ireland plays in all this”.

“It is critical the right to defend itself is done within the parameters of international humanitarian law, with a response that is proportionate, and protection of civilians and de-escalation must be a priority,” Leo Varadkar said.