Fine Gael members have launched an attack on Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Simon Harris for recognizing the Palestinian state, arguing that the decision does not reflect the views of the party’s grassroots.
According to the Irish Examiner, senior figures Paul Kehoe and John Paul Phelan expressed discontent with the Cabinet’s decision at a private meeting of Fine Gael TDs and senators.
Kehoe criticized the lack of discussion on the matter at recent party meetings, noting that Fine Gael did not reach a consensus on this position.
Phelan pointed out that at the recent Fine Gael ard fheis, grassroots members voted down a motion that called for the party to support the recognition of a Palestinian state.
This motion also urged the Government to implement the Occupied Territories Bill. Phelan further raised concerns that the decision could prompt Israeli businesses to withdraw from Ireland.
A source described the meeting as “tense,” in Harris’s absence, criticism was directed at Fine Gael’s deputy leader, Heather Humphreys, and Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe.
Donohoe defended the Government’s stance, explaining that it was a confidential Cabinet decision, and assured that Harris would provide an update at the next parliamentary party meeting.
Humphreys also defended the recognition, clarifying that the Government acknowledged the Palestinian state rather than any specific Palestinian government.
Earlier Wednesday, Harris announced the recognition, calling it a “historic and important day” and describing the move as “an act of powerful political and symbolic value.”
