Special Meath County Council meeting to discuss sanctions on Israel
Meath County Council will hold a special meeting to discuss a motion by an Independent councillor calling on the council to consider “all lawful sanctions it can take against the apartheid state of Israel”.
The meeting follows heated exchanges at last Monday’s full council session, where Cllr Alan Lawes’ motion to remove all Coca-Cola products from council buildings in protest was not allowed on the agenda.
His subsequent attempt to suspend standing orders to debate the motion failed, with a counter motion by Fine Gael councillor Gerry O’Connor, backed by 18 votes to 12, to proceed with the scheduled business.
“I am trying to do something about the genocide in Israel, that is what I am trying to raise here. I think it’s disingenuous that you won't even allow a discussion to take place about the genocide we are experiencing on our television screens where children are being slaughtered. Where children are being starved,” Cllr Lawes said during the meeting.
The Cathaoirleach, Wayne Harding, reminded Cllr Lawes that council business is governed by standing orders and said he could raise the matter under “any other business.”
Cllr Lawes later read a statement from Meath Friends of Palestine expressing their disappointment that the motion was rejected.
Meanwhile Cllr O’Connor defended his decision, saying there would be an opportunity to raise the matter under any other business.
Cllr Lawes subsequently submitted letters requesting a special meeting. While the section of his motion calling for the removal of Coca-Cola products was not permitted, the second part, calling for the council to consider lawful sanctions against Israel, was approved for discussion.
The special meeting is scheduled to begin at 9.30am on Tuesday, September 9.