Campaigners call for President to refrain from dissolving the Dáil

There have been calls for President Michael D Higgins to refuse Taoiseach Simon Harris’ request to dissolve the Dáil, with campaign groups demanding a pause to allow the passing of the Occupied Territories Bill.

A widespread email campaign from Irish civil society groups has implored President Higgins to “use your presidential power not to dissolve the Dáil, until the Occupied Territories Bill has been enacted”.

Under the Constitution, the President has the power to both dissolve and summon Dáil Éireann on the advice of the Taoiseach. However, the President does have absolute discretion to refuse the dissolution of the Dáil on advice from a Taoiseach who has lost the support of a Dáil majority.

But with Taoiseach Simon Harris commanding the support of a Dáil majority, it is difficult to see how President Higgins can reject his request this afternoon.

The Occupied Territories Bill itself would ban Ireland from trading in goods and services that are produced in Israeli-occupied territory within the Palestinian West Bank.

The campaign has criticised the government for blocking the passage of the bill “at every turn”.

“Last week the offer of the Opposition’s Dáil speaking time to facilitate the enactment of this crucial bill was refused. The ICJ Advisory Opinion in July makes it very clear that Ireland is compelled to act now,” the campaign said.

“We, as citizens of Ireland, do not want to be complicit in any way with the illegal Israeli occupation. We hope that there is something within your power that you can do, as president, to help Ireland to begin the interventions to which we are obligated.”