On the 25th of September, Micháel Martin delivered a speech to the UN. Headlines have cooed over his ‘scathing’ proclamations. In front of the delegates, he says that “we have failed Palestine”. Many nod their heads in support and praise his salient point. I too agree with his startling recognition. Everyone in that room has failed Palestine. But Martin is in no place to be pointing fingers.
The Irish government consistently facilitates the use of Shannon Airport as a hub for American planes on their way home from dropping bombs on Gaza. Martin’s words ring hollow for a man who sees failing Palestine as some accident he could never have prevented. You’d think he tripped and fell into bed with this reactionary empire, and now he’s just too comfortable to get out.
Many Irish people see the irony in Martin’s comments. Earlier this year, we saw anger boil over at this continued situation as a hatchet-wielding man attacked one of these war machines. Our government’s commitment to America through all their bombardment of the Middle East demonstrates the reality – that Irish capitalism relies on America so heavily it cannot stand to jeopardise its relationship with them. Perhaps Martin should be more careful with his platitudes. Though the liberal establishment may clap and cheer, the contradiction between his words and his actions are tearing a hole in the happy facade of Ireland’s neutral reputation.
