Higgins calls on Ireland to 'recover moral significance'

Former Irish President Michael D. Higgins has called on Ireland to leverage its upcoming European Union Presidency to "recover moral significance" and hold fellow member states accountable for upholding human rights. Speaking at the launch of a policy paper by Sadaka, the Ireland Palestine Alliance, Higgins emphasized the need for Ireland to stand firm on international policy.

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As we go into the Irish presidency, the best thing we can do, and let us do so with generosity, let us is recognise recovering a moral significance and standing our ground in international policy.

"As we go into the Irish presidency, the best thing we can do, and let us do so with generosity, let us is recognise recovering a moral significance and standing our ground in international policy," he stated. Higgins explicitly used the word "genocide" in relation to Gaza, explaining it was due to "what has been attempted at the elimination of a people, their culture, their memory, their civilization."

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I do so, because of what has been attempted at the elimination of a people, their culture, their memory, their civilization.

He also criticized proposals regarding Gaza as a "land grab" and urged Ireland to ensure the situation in the Middle East remains a priority, not just a fleeting news item. "We must say the wrongs must be ended and even if it is going to be a slow process, Ireland must just not contend to be a minority in relation to making its case," he asserted.

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I like to call a land grab for what it is, and that is what is proposed by the so-called committee for peace, in relation to Gaza.

Higgins encouraged Ireland to question other EU members on their adherence to the United Nations charter and humanitarian conventions. "The moral instincts of the people should be a dominating force when it comes to Ireland's foreign policy," he said, believing that economic concerns about such stances have been exaggerated. He affirmed the Palestinian people's entitlement to their rights, questioning the validity of rights made conditional.

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We must make sure that it is not just going to be a news item again and again as the cameras shift from one part of what is called the Middle East. We must say the wrongs must be ended and even if it is going to be a slow process, Ireland must just not contend to be a minority in relation to making its case.