Motion calling for cessation of Israeli bonds passed by Wicklow County Council

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Wicklow County Council has passed a motion calling on the chief executive to write a letter to the government on behalf of elected representatives, urging “immediate and decisive action” to end the facilitation and sale of Israeli bonds under its authority.

They also urge the Central Bank to “cease all regulatory oversight of these financial instruments, which currently supports continued violence and destruction”.

A year has passed since Ireland officially recognised the state of Palestine, and nearly two years since the beginning of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

The motion brought forward by Social Democrats Cllr Caroline Winstanley was seconded by independent Cllr Tom Fortune, urges the Irish Government to “take a stand and ensure that our country plays no role in facilitating further violence or injustice in the region”.

There was universal support of the motion from elected members during the monthly meeting on Monday afternoon.

Independent Cllr Gerry O’Neill said the time was right for the council to lend its voice to the cause, citing the chamber’s refusal to support his previous motion in November 2023 which called for the removal of the Israeli ambassador to Ireland Danna Erlich.

Labour Cllr Paul O’Brien praised the work that went in to drafting the motion.

“The country has already stepped up to the mark and we will continue to respond with an open heart and mind,” he added.

Cllr John Snell said the world is watching and there is little that we can do but we can use our voices.

“This is a genocide with people in power refusing to support the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador. It’s important we support the people suffering on the ground but collectively we need to do more.”

Social Democrats Cllr Danny Alvey commended his party colleague Cllr Winstanley for bringing forward the motion.

“We must keep speaking out and show the world the violence is not acceptable.”

Activists in support of the move were present in the chamber when the vote was passed.