*Cllr Pat Hayes. Photograph: John Mangan
POLITICAL DELEGATIONS from Clare visiting the United States of America for St Patrick’s Day must use the national holiday to address Israel’s “war of terror on Palestine,” a former Mayor of Clare has said.
Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) implored the Chief Executive and the Cathaoirleach of the local authority not to shy back from criticising the US’s “lack of intervention” in the war.
He stated, “As a representative of the people of Clare, I am deeply concerned about the continuous support of the United States for Israel’s actions in Palestine. With the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day trip to the United States by the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers, and indeed the Cathaoirleach of our own county, I implore them to use this opportunity to address our profound concerns regarding America’s role in the Israeli war of terror on Palestine”.
Hayes continued, “Day after day, we are witness to unspeakable atrocities. Earlier this week, 112 innocent lives were taken by the brutal IDF while attempting to collect flour. How much more blood must be shed before decisive action is taken? The heart-wrenching toll of Israel’s relentless assault on Palestine is unbearable”.
According to the United Nations, a quarter of Gaza’s 2.3m population face starvation, while approximately 80% have been torn from their homes by Israel’s aggression.
Elected as Mayor of Clare in 2011, Cllr Hayes stated, “Adding insult to injury, some Israeli officials and prominent figures have employed dehumanising rhetoric to justify their crimes against humanity. One minister dared to label Palestinians as “human animals,” while a prominent journalist suggested turning Gaza into a “slaughterhouse.” Such reprehensible language only serves to fan the flames of hatred and deepen the suffering of innocent civilians. Adding to the hypocrisy, the Israeli ambassador to Ireland has repeatedly attempted to deceive the Irish people by stating that Israel is committed to international law and that her country’s actions have been ‘very calculated’. Indeed, they have been calculated – calculated in their attempt to wipe Gaza off the map”.
America have been complicit in the war, Cllr Hayes maintained. “Even more so let us not forget America’s complicity in this conflict. The United States’ military aid to Israel exceeded $3.8 billion in 2023, fuelling the very war that has ravaged Palestine. While the President’s administration may lightly criticise some aspects of the war, their continued funding of it proves such words meaningless without real action”.
“As representatives of Ireland, we must stand on the side of justice, compassion, and humanity. We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of our fellow human beings. We must use every ounce of our authority to demand an end to the bloodshed and an end to the oppression. I call upon our leaders to use their voices and champion the cause of peace, dignity, and human rights in Palestine. Let us be the voice for those whose cries for justice have been drowned out. While in America, I urge our leaders to use every opportunity to speak out against America’s support for Israel’s actions in Palestine. Address the public, engage with politicians, and mobilise support for justice and peace. The more voices that join this, the more likely it becomes that we will see an end to this senseless violence,” Hayes concluded.
Clare’s current Mayor, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) thanked Cllr Hayes for his contribution but neither he nor the Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling committed to carry out the request.
