News

Ireland must rally behind Spain after the US threatened to cease all trade with the country, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Spain’s barring of the US military from using its bases to stage its war against Iran is the right action to take to comply with international law. […]

The Taoiseach’s belated acceptance that there is price gouging occurring in the energy sector must be followed by immediate government action to prevent consumers from further exploitation, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy spokesperson, said: “When questioned on this issue by our party leader Holly Cairns in […]

The government must strongly condemn military action against Iran by the United States and Israel, which has completely destabilised the Middle East and put Irish peacekeeping troops and thousands of our citizens at risk, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “The US and Israel must be condemned in the […]

Our national broadcaster must stand up and lead the way by not broadcasting fixtures against Israel which are due to take place this year, according to Social Democrats sports spokesperson Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney said: “I’ve written to RTÉ to ask that the planned Irish National Men’s Team fixtures in the Nations League versus Israel […]

Allowing Israel to participate in Eurovision 2026 is an abhorrent decision by the European Broadcasting Union, according to Social Democrats media spokesperson Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney said: “RTÉ is to be commended for following up on its commitment to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel was allowed to take part. “It is outrageous […]

The government must immediately respond to weekend reports that it is set to abandon plans to enact the Occupied Territories Bill, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Yesterday’s report in the Irish Mail on Sunday is deeply concerning. Quoting unnamed Cabinet sources, it suggests the government is set to […]

The government must urgently intervene to ensure the safety of Irish citizens illegally detained by Israeli forces in international waters, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Reports today indicate that up to five Irish people, including a member of the Oireachtas, are being held by the IDF after a […]

Online footage of Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir mocking illegally detained flotilla campaigners has been slammed by Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “It is disgusting, but hardly surprising, to see such appalling behaviour from Minister Ben-Gvir, who embodies everything that is wrong about this terror state right-wing government – a […]

Growing recognition of Palestinian statehood by the international community, while welcome, must be matched with punitive sanctions to force Israel to end its genocidal campaign in Gaza, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Following yesterday’s declarations by the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal, today’s session of the UN General […]

EU member states must be persuaded to back European Commission proposals to partially suspend the bloc’s trade agreement with Israel and impose sanctions on violent settlers and extremist ministers, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “After almost two years of genocide in Gaza, it is incredible that the EU […]