Waterford councillors pass motion calling on Central Bank to discontinue sale of Israeli bonds  

A motion asking for Waterford City and County Council to call upon the Central Bank to take all possible steps to discontinue facilitating the sale of Israeli bonds was passed unanimously in the Council Chamber this week.

The motion brought forward by Cllr Thomas Phelan (Lab) received applause from local advocacy groups who were seated in the gallery.

“When the history books are written, the people of Ireland, no more than the people of Waterford, will want to have taken every opportunity and chance available to condemn what’s going on in Palestine,” Cllr Phelan said, whilst introducing the motion to the floor.

Cllr Seamus Ryan, who seconded the motion, added, "Without a doubt it’s genocide that’s being carried out in Palestine. We as a country should do everything we can, no matter how small or large the measure, to say to the Israeli government that this has got to stop."

Meanwhile, Cllr Adam Wyse highlighted the importance of local authorities supporting such causes, referencing recent online criticism directed at politicians for speaking on international issues.

“Leading up to this meeting there was a lot of discourse online that Irish politicians should spend more time talking about Irish people and Irish problems than what’s going on in the world.

“We have responsibility as elected politicians to look after humans, simple as that, no matter where they’re from."