Hundreds take to the streets of Cork for weekly rally in solidarity with Palestine

Irish MEPs such as Cork's Billy Kelleher have been urged to keep pledges made before the recent European Parliament elections not to vote for the re-election of Ursula Von der Leyen as EU Commission president by the co-chair of the Cork branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Arthur Leahy made his comments in a statement to The Echo following Saturday’s march through the streets of Cork by pro Palestine campaigners who are protesting against attacks by Israeli forces against Gaza which have been ongoing since the October 7 offensive. 

Mr Leahy’s comments come in advance of next week’s vote in the European Parliament for the position of EU Commission president and amid mounting pressure from Fine Gael, who support Ms Von der Leyen’s re-election bid, calling on Fianna Fáil MEPs to support the German politician. The vote will be by secret ballot and Ms Von der Leyen’s nomination already has the backing of EU leaders, including the support of the Irish Government.

“Irish MEPs such as Billy Kelleher must hold firm and keep their pre-election pledges where they promised not to vote for Ursula von der Leyen due to the appalling support she has given to Israel as it carries out a genocidal campaign in Palestine,” said Mr Leahy.

Disappointed

“We’re deeply disappointed to hear Sean Kelly urging Fianna Fáil MEPs to vote for von der Leyen - supporting her now would be to endorse someone who is widely seen as being complicit in the genocide that Israel is committing.” 

Both Mr Kelleher and Barry Andrews, the FF MEP re-elected in Dublin on June 7, have said they would not support the re-election of Ms Von der Leyen due to her support for Israel expressed in the wake of the October 7 attacks.

Today's march through the streets of Cork was attended by approximately 750 people and marchers were expressing concern and condemnation over what some claimed is the support of the Irish Government for the trade of military and dual use exports between Ireland and Israel, as well as showing solidarity with Palestine.

Dual-use items are products and components, including software and technology, which can be used for both civil and military purposes.

Addressed

The rally following the march was also addressed by Summayyah Popoola from the Cork branch of the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign who said that technology companies needed ‘to prioritise human rights and ensure their innovations do not perpetuate conflict and suffering’.

"Dual-use weaponry basically encompasses items that can serve both civilian and military purposes," she said.

"These technologies, originally designed for beneficial purposes, are increasingly being repurposed for destructive ends. This issue is not just a matter of policy or economics; it is a matter of life and death for countless innocent people around the world."