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Updated 3.40pm
SINN FÉIN PRESIDENT Gerry Adams has written to the Taoiseach asking for the Dáil to be recalled to discuss the crisis in Gaza.
Adams has written to Enda Kenny asking for the Dáil to be recalled in light of the Irish government’s decision to abstain in a vote on an emergency debate at the UN on Wednesday.
Fianna Fáil has also called for the Dáil to meet to discuss “the appalling situation” in Gaza and wants TDs to debate the crisis in Ukraine as well.
The call comes a week after Sinn Féin failed in its attempts to secure a special Dáil debate on the Gaza crisis but managed to force TDs to stand for a moment in solidarity “with the people of Gaza and the Middle East”.
There was no immediate government response to Adams’s request this afternoon.
“The resolution, which the Government refused to support, sought to establish an international Commission of Inquiry into violations of human rights in Gaza,” Adams said today.
“It also condemned the killing of Israeli civilians by rocket fire from Gaza. It explicitly urged ‘all parties concerned to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law’.”
“Most Irish citizens cannot understand why their Government did not back this reasonable and balanced resolution.”
Sinn Féin, which is prominently pro-Palestinian, claims it has the support of several other TDs including Fianna Fáil’s Dara Calleary and independents Peter Mathews, Clare Daly, Finian McGrath and John Halligan.
Calleary said: “I think things are so serious that we should discuss it.”
He added that TDs should also discuss the crisis Ukraine saying the region had destabilised considerably since the Dáil broke last week and he wants to hear the government’s plan of action.
Fianna Fáil said that a Dáil recall is at the discretion of the Taoiseach.
A spokesperson said the party has written to the government chief whip seeking for time to also be made available to discuss the Ukraine crisis and the killing of the passengers of Flight MH17.
Labour figures have become increasingly critical of Ireland’s stance in relation to the crisis. A government spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment this afternoon.
First published 3.11pm
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When you want to listen to the Radio it’s all, to me about the sound of the broadcasters voice as well as what they say.
From Gay Byrne, Terry Wogan, Larry Gogan who is still a pleasure to listen to
Marianne had the voice and used it very wisely
God Bless
@Patrick O’malley: well said
@Patrick O’malley: unlike Duffy and D’Arcy, God bless them!
@Desmond Lyons: Duffy was/is a poor substitute for Marian on liveline. She was much better than him with people on the more sensitive subjects.
Such a well read broadcaster on any topic she dealt with. She always remained neutral and was never judgmental. I admire the way she kept her private life private. A true professional. It was never about her it was always about the subject. Very slim pickings in RTE for this calibre of journalist left. RIP Marian.
@2thFairy: Sean O’Rourke is easily on a par quality-wise. He the best available now – listen again to his interview with Maria Bailey.
Joe Duffy, Ray D’Arcy and Brendan … from Cork are very tabloid. Brendan can barely speak English. They shouldn’t be on RTE Radio 1.
Of all the interviews she did, for me the most memorable was with her dear friend Nuala O’Faolain and I remember Nuala saying how the impact of her diagnosis had taken all the joy out of her life. These words were to revisit me four years ago this weekend when my lovely Mam passed away from pancreatic cancer and I perfectly understood what Nuala meant and the simplicity of describing the greatest loss. Marian’s loss is immeasurable, not just to her radio family,may she be at peace, such a lovely lady.
@Honeybee: that was an incredibly moving interview.
The weekends will never be the same again – another voice to the past gone – RIP Marian Finucane.
I rarely comment on this eclectic forum. Just want to give a thumbs up to RTE, the ‘ public service’ which it provided for me over the decades. I found my voice, a friend, but my values deepened, in a time when there was no twit’r world , just by listening to her and the many other women….and men (Ger and Gay RIP) who shook us out of a disturbing and century/ies old malaise. It led me to read great books, articles and I have to respond to Justine McCarthy . She was SUPERB this morning on Radio 1. I could visualise the pair of them (and Duncan). A wonderful tribute, Justine.
Deepest sympathies to her loved ones, her RTE colleagues, S.Africa and all those who will find Saturdays and Sundays lesser days now, despite them being weekend days…. will miss her terribly. A rebel.
I walk every day always listening to podcasts of her shows. I encourage everyone to do the same and enjoy her interviews. Nothing comes close. I shall miss her and the country is poorer for her passing.
I will always remember her for the car crash interview with Joe Jacob.
Marian had the skill to get the best and worst out of the people she interviewed.
@ianglen: That was a classic. Jacob was completely out of his depth.
Saturday and especially Sunday morning walks with the dog won’t ever be the same again,Rest in peace Marian you will be missed .
Why did she not do the late late show… Ryan tub is terrible but I am glad he works and contributes to tax…..
I was lucky enough to be in the audience of the 1980 Late Late Show where Marion took the helm. 1980 Ireland was a very different place especially for women. We owe a debt of gratitude to Marion and her colleagues who bravely challenged the Patriarchy everyday and helped make Ireland a much better place. She will be sadly missed on our airways.
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