This condescending commentary is in stark contrast to the approach taken by the government when a man was in the Áras
Instead of issuing patronising statements about its role in setting foreign policy, the government should condemn the United States and Israel’s illegal attack on Iran, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
Senator Stephenson said:
“At the weekend, President Connolly issued a statement which clearly condemned the “deliberate assault on international law” in the Middle East. This unequivocal criticism was in stark contrast to the mealy mouthed statements from the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and other senior government ministers on the same issue.
“However, instead of welcoming the commentary from the President, the government opted to issue a patronising statement to clarify that “while it fully respects the constitutional role of the President … it’s important to recall that the responsibility for foreign affairs rests with the government”.
“This condescending commentary is in stark contrast to the approach taken by the government when a man was in the Áras – namely, a vow of silence on any statements emanating from President Michael D Higgins on foreign affairs and domestic issues like housing.
“This change in approach by the government begs a question. Do they think President Connolly is unaware of the limits of her role or the responsibility of the government in setting foreign policy?
“President Connolly has been extremely judicious, since she was inaugurated, about the statements she has issued and their subject matter. Her statement at the weekend was in full alignment with her constitutional role, the country’s respect for international law and, indeed, the link with conflict and International Women’s Day.
“It is well known that in any conflict, women and children suffer disproportionately. In fact, a UN report last year found civilian casualties among women and children had quadrupled, and conflict-related sexual violence increased by 87 per cent, in the previous two years.
“The United States and Israel’s bombing campaign in Iran and Lebanon is targeting schools, residential areas and hospitals. It is causing death, injury, displacement and devastation to hundreds and thousands of people. More than 160 school girls were massacred, in a strike by the United States, on the first day alone.
“However, instead of condemning these outrages, the furthest the government has come to describing the attack on Iran as illegal is noting it does not have a UN mandate. They expect members of the public to then effectively join the dots, so they can avoid using the word “illegal” in advance of Micheál Martin’s trip to Washington next week.
“In circumstances where the Trump administration has admitted this attack was unprovoked – and where Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is issuing jubilant statements about the level of death and destruction being wrought – this cowardice from government is nothing short of pathetic.
“President Connolly was elected because the Irish people expected her to use her judgment and considerable expertise, to speak out on issues of importance. The deteriorating situation in the Middle East is precisely the thing our President should be vocal about.
“Instead of implicitly rebuking President Connolly, the government should be grateful that someone in a position of authority in this State is willing to do what they are not. Condemn these attacks as illegal.”