3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Mayo councillors show support for the people of Gaza at their annual meeting.
The group held signs that read 'Stop Genocide Now', carried baby-sized white and bloodied shrouds, meant to represent the reported 50,000 children who have been killed or injured in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, and protested silently during the AGM.
At the meeting, various councillors acknowledged the group, welcomed them and thanked them for attending.
Cllr Gerry Murray, a Sinn Féin representative, assured the group of the council's support saying, "I wish you every success. There's a huge tragedy going on in Palestine. These people here have campaigned since day one, since this genocide started, on behalf of the Palestinian people. I want to thank you for your presence here today,
"This local authority collectively passed a motion last year calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the genocide."
Talking to the Irish Independent after the AGM Cllr Murray continued,
"It has happened before where protestors have come into the chamber, they'd be loud and vocal, and the meeting would have to be adjourned. They (The IPSC) came in and held a silent and dignified presence in the chamber. They were drawing attention to where it was needed; to the situation in Gaza."
Cllr Murray also commented on the nature of the IPSC campaign in Mayo, saying it has been "dignified throughout".
The IPSC were welcomed by independent councillors, Michael Kilcoyne and Richard Finn. Cllr Finn said, "We support the people who are being killed and martyred every day in Gaza, we all stand with you and we have no problem in doing that. We should be vocal about it and make sure our views are known." He recognised the Government's efforts in advocating for the people of Gaza.
Fianna Fáil councillor Damien Ryan also noted the Government's commitment to a two-state solution in the region saying, "I wish that the big players at world-wide level would replicate what's being advocated by the Irish government in relation to a two-state solution, and that is the only solution that will work out there."
Incoming Leas-Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Ger Deere, used his acceptance speech to welcome the members of the IPSC saying, "We need to keep highlighting what's going on in Gaza, it's just unbelievable and fair play to you for keeping it going. What we must do is keep highlighting it, and hopefully people at a bigger level than us will listen."
Cllr Deere, a member of Fine Gael, finished his speech saying, "We are all part of the world trying to make it a better place, so we want to give support."
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
