Opposition TDs urge removal of Israeli flag from Leinster House

Opposition politicians have called for an Israeli flag to be removed from Leinster House.

The flags of Ireland, Israel, Palestine and the UN were placed in that order in an entrance hall at the Parliament building on Friday.

The Oireachtas press office said it was a decision of Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail to display the flags.

In a statement, a spokeswoman told the PA news agency: “The Ceann Comhairle asked for both flags to fly side by side, for one day, as an expression of the need for a two-state peaceful resolution.”

It came after a decision was made to take down a Palestinian flag from outside Leinster House.

The flag was first flown outside the Parliament building on the day that Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood this week.

It was raised with the EU flag and the Ukraine flag, which has been displayed since Russia’s invasion.

On Friday, however, the Palestinian flag was no longer flying outside Leinster House.

The EU and Ukraine flags continue to be raised.

Ireland’s ministers met on Tuesday and officially agreed to recognise a Palestinian state, in a joint move with Spain and Norway.

Israel has called the move a reward for Hamas terrorism.

Sinn Fein representatives said the Israeli flag in Leinster House should be removed.

Senator Lynn Boylan said: “This is utterly inappropriate.

“The Israeli flag is flying in Leinster House in the week that we recognised the state of Palestine and while the bombardment of innocent Palestinian civilians continues.

“This needs to be taken down immediately.”

Other Sinn Fein TDs said Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin must immediately have the Israeli flag taken down.

When asked if it was the responsibility of the Government to remove flags from the Oireachtas, TD Eoin O Broin said: “I don’t give a damn whose responsibility it is, the flag needs to go.

“The Taoiseach is the most senior politician in this building and he needs to act and have it removed.”

People Before Profit TD Brid Smith said she had written to the Ceann Comhairle to say that she was “appalled” to see the Israeli flag next to the Palestinian flag in the building.

She said: “The Israeli state reacted to the official recognition of Palestinian statehood by attempting to humiliate the Irish ambassador to Israel and by issuing threats against Ireland.

“It is obscene that the flag of an apartheid state committing genocide be showcased in our Parliament.”

Speaking to the PA news agency, Ms Smith accused Mr O Fearghail of “shocking insensitivity”.

She said the Ceann Comhairle had refused to fly the Palestinian flag for Nakba day, before Ireland’s recognition of the state.

“It is just unacceptable and I don’t think it is representative of the Dail.

“If this decision was put to the members, it would not have gone ahead.”