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    Taoiseach and Jim Gavin distance themselves from Michael D Higgins’ Israel comments

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    By Irishexaminer.com,Louise Burne, Political Correspondent

    Copyright irishexaminer

    Taoiseach and Jim Gavin distance themselves from Michael D Higgins' Israel comments

    Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships on Tuesday, President Higgins said Israel and countries that supply it with weapons should be excluded from the UN.

    “I believe myself that the kind of actions that are necessary now are the exclusion of those who are practising genocide, and those who are supporting genocide with armaments,” he said.

    “We must look at their exclusion from the United Nations itself, and we should have no hesitation any longer in relation to ending trade with people who are inflicting this at our fellow human beings.”

    Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships on Thursday, the Taoiseach said it was important to keep diplomatic channels open and it was a “huge step to expel someone” from the United Nations.

    “Israel has been very critical of the United Nations and has sought to undermine the United Nations at every turn, particularly the UN agencies that operate in the Middle East and who do such incredible work from a humanitarian perspective,” he said.

    “UNRWA and other organisations who deal with refugees and others who in prosecution, health, medical interventions, and so forth.

    “That’s something that we would have to give careful deliberation to. Certainly, our multilateral impulse is such that that’s not something we’re contemplating right now.

    “Our focus, rather, is trying to get pressure on Israel to stop the carnage, to stop the slaughter of innocent children and civilians.”

    Jim Gavin, the party’s candidate for the presidential election, was also asked about the comments, and said President Higgins had expressed his opinion.

    “The Constitution is very clear on where the responsibilities lie in terms of foreign policy, and that’s executive, that’s the Government, not Uachtarán na hÉireann, he said.

    “President Higgins has obviously highlighted his personal opinion and reflects on that.

    “For my part, the presidency is non-partisan. It’s non-political. You speak for people who are part of parties and who are of none.

    “So, the president speaks on behalf of the nation in terms of what, what the president senses from the people of Ireland.”

    When asked if he agreed with President Higgins, Mr Gavin said it was a matter for the Government.

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