President Michael D Higgins’ scathing remarks about Ursula von der Leyen reflects Ireland “ou...
President Michael D Higgins’ scathing remarks about Ursula von der Leyen reflects Ireland “outrage” at the way Israel is conducting its war against Hamas.
On a visit to Israel last week, the European Commission President said Israel has a “duty to defend its people” and did not publicly ask Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to follow international law.“To have Ursula von der Leyen going to Israel and only expressing solidarity with one side is absolutely unacceptable,” she said.
“Mainly, I think politicians are scared of him but it’s not two years since Michael D Higgins refused to attend a ceremony both to mark the partition of Ireland and the formation of Northern Ireland,” he said. “He snubbed the Head of State of our nearest neighbour and unionist people in the North by saying it wasn’t a neutral statement for him to attend politically.“Yet, it doesn’t cost him a thought to praise Fidel Castro when he dies; saying he was a great human rights leader when in fact Fidel Castro abused the people of Cuba for generations.”
President Higgins has issued a statement on the deeply reprehensible attacks on civilians and joined with the Irish Government in their concern for all civilians at risk in Israel and in GazaThe role of President is sometimes described as ‘above politics’ but Mr McGurik said Mr Higgins was “not neutral politically” in the way he carries out his duties.“If this is a President who is going to speak out and have a voice on issues, then he should also the press challenge him on his views.
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