Independent Ireland Chairman Ken O’Flynn rejects Israeli Comments: “I’m not pro-Israel, I’m not pro-Palestine. I’m pro-Cork North Central, and I’m pro-Ireland.”
Independent Ireland Chairman Ken O’Flynn TD has firmly rejected claims that Ireland is “legally obligated” to take in Palestinian refugees, following remarks made by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Ben Scallan, Deputy O’Flynn stated: “I don’t believe we have any obligation whatsoever. Ireland has been extremely generous when it comes to taking in asylum seekers—often to the detriment of our own people.”
Deputy O’Flynn’s comments come in response to Katz’s statement that countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway should accept refugees from Gaza or risk “exposing their hypocrisy.”
Deputy O’Flynn criticised certain Irish politicians for focusing on international affairs rather than addressing urgent domestic issues
“Some politicians seem more concerned with media attention than with serving their own constituents.”
“Ireland is a neutral country. We should keep our heads down, keep our economy open, and engage with all sides through diplomacy—not get involved in conflicts that are not our own.”
“Our leaders want to be seen as world leaders on the international stage. Instead, they should be ensuring that Irish people are taken care of first.”
“Hotel Rooms for Asylum Seekers, But Not for Storm Victims”
Deputy O’Flynn pointed out the double standards in how Ireland handles domestic crises versus international humanitarian issues:
“It’s ironic that hotel rooms can be found overnight for asylum seekers, but victims of Storm Éowyn are still struggling to find accommodation.”
“I’m Not Pro-Israel or Pro-Palestine – I’m Pro-Ireland”
Clarifying his stance, Deputy O’Flynn emphasised that his priority is Ireland and its people:
“I’m not pro-Israel, I’m not pro-Palestine. I’m pro-Cork North Central, and I’m pro-Ireland. My job is to represent the people who elected me, not to engage in global conflicts.”
Deputy O’Flynn questioned the motives of some Irish politicians who are eager to engage in international diplomacy: “I seriously question whether some of these politicians are more concerned with future employment in Europe than with doing their actual job here in Ireland.” “You should focus on doing your own job first before trying to do someone else’s.”
Independent Ireland stands firm on Ireland’s neutrality and prioritising Irish interests. Deputy O’Flynn has called on the government to stop engaging in international grandstanding and focus on solving the real problems facing Irish citizens.
