Irish Labour leader Ivana Bacik has issued an urgent demand for the government to pass comprehensive legislation banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements before Christmas.
Pressure Mounts for Swift Action
The call comes as a motion is scheduled to appear before the Dail on Wednesday morning concerning the Government's Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory Bill. This proposed legislation would restrict commercial exchanges with unlawful Israeli settlements, though campaigners and opposition members have expressed concerns that it currently only covers goods and excludes services.
Speaking at the party's National Conference on Saturday, Ms Bacik emphasised the widespread public support for immediate action. "Today I am calling on the Tanaiste to pass the Occupied Territories Bill in full by Christmas and to make that commitment this week," she declared.
Unity Among Left-Wing Parties
The Labour leader highlighted the emerging consensus among progressive parties that supported Catherine Connolly's successful presidential campaign. She noted there would be "a unity of purpose" and "a common cause" from these left-wing groups in pushing for the bill's passage.
Ms Bacik referenced what she described as "the horrific genocide being perpetrated among the people of Gaza by Israel" as driving overwhelming public demand for the trade restrictions. "There is a clear appetite for this to be done, and to be done swiftly," she stated, reminding that the Tanaiste had previously promised such action.
Beyond the Presidential Victory
While celebrating Catherine Connolly's "landslide result" in becoming Ireland's tenth president, Ms Bacik confirmed the party would contest the forthcoming Galway West by-election triggered by Ms Connolly's election. She welcomed councillor Helen Ogbu and expressed confidence in their prospects, noting "strong Labour representation" in the constituency.
The Labour leader outlined her "fervent ambition" for left-wing parties to agree a programme for government before the next general election, describing this as "a project that goes beyond the presidential election" and into the next national vote.
In her conference address, Ms Bacik identified several key priorities for the coming Dail term including supporting Ukraine and Palestinians, while making housing their "number one" domestic concern. Additional focus areas included climate action, cost-of-living measures, universal childcare, workers' rights and healthcare improvements - specifically mentioning trans healthcare.
On constitutional matters, she articulated Labour's vision for a "new 32-county Republic" and creating "an Ireland for all", while strongly condemning racist politics and attacks on IPAS centres, including the recent devastating fire in Drogheda.
