Michael Collins: Keep Sport Separate from Politics
Michael Collins addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and argues against politicising Irish sport. He sets out Independent Ireland's amendment, urging that decisions on fixtures remain with sporting bodies, not political parties.
Humanitarian concerns
Michael Collins begins by expressing deep concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and condemns violence against civilians. He makes clear that Independent Ireland is not indifferent to suffering, and emphasises respect for international law and the protection of civilians.
Separation of sport and politics
Collins argues that sport should not become a tool of political direction by government or opposition. He says the Sinn Féin motion would place the Football Association of Ireland and Irish athletes at the centre of an international political dispute, and that is unfair to players who have devoted years to representing Ireland.
Practical consequences for Irish football
He warns that unilateral refusals to participate in fixtures could harm players, supporters and Ireland's standing as a host nation. Collins stresses that such consequences would fall on athletes and fans, not on politicians, and outlines the need for proper public order and safety assessments.
Role of international sporting authorities
Collins points to UEFA and FIFA as the bodies charged with decisions on participation, suspension and fixtures. He maintains governments and political parties should not dictate who national teams play, and that sporting independence must be respected.
Independent Ireland's amendment
The amendment offered by Independent Ireland proposes a balanced response: condemn violence and uphold humanitarian principles while protecting athletes and leaving fixture decisions to sporting authorities. It also calls for comprehensive security assessments and options such as behind-closed-doors matches where necessary.
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Let me begin by saying something very clearly. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is heartbreaking. The loss of innocent civilian life, the suffering of families, the destruction of homes, schools and hospitals, and the terrible impact of this conflict on ordinary people should concern every decent person. We in Independent Ireland condemn violence against civilians, whether it occurs, and we support every effort to achieve a just peace and lasting resolution to this conflict. Nobody should mistake our amendment for indifference. It is not. However, we believe this debate must also recognise another important principle. Sport should not become a tool of political direction by government or opposition. The Sinn Féin motion seeks to place the Football Association of Ireland and Irish athletes at the centre of an international political dispute. We do not believe that is fair. Irish sports people have devoted years of their lives to representing their country. They have trained, sacrificed and worked tirelessly for the opportunity to compete at the highest level. They should not be asked to carry the burden of resolving conflicts that are far beyond their control. If international sporting sanctions are to be imposed, those decisions should be made by the recognised international sporting authorities. UEFA and FIFA exist precisely to govern international football and to make decisions regarding participation, suspension and fixtures. Whether people agree with their decisions or not, those are the bodies charged with that responsibility. Governments should not be dictating who national teams play. Political parties should not be deciding which fixtures go ahead. Once we cross that line, sports risk becoming another battleground for the political disputes rather than a space where people from different backgrounds can come together. Political parties are long enough inside this doll saying that religion and politics should not go together. Well, now it is time that there is a separation between sports and politics. We must also consider the wider consequences. A unilateral refusal to participate in fixtures could have serious implications for Irish football. It could affect our players, our supporters, our future participation in competitions and even Ireland's reputation as a host nation for international sporting events. Those consequences would not fall on politicians. They would fall on athletes, fans and sporting organisations. Our amendment takes a balanced approach. It acknowledges the genuine concerns expressed by many people regarding the conflict. It recognises the importance of international law and protection of civilians. But it also recognises that responsibilities for resolving international political conflicts should not be placed on the shoulders of Irish footballers. Where there are concerns about public order or safety surrounding fixtures, those matters should be addressed properly. That is why our amendment calls for a comprehensive security assessment involving government, departments and the English Economy and the FAI with consideration given to matches being played behind closed doors if necessary. Sports should unite people, not divide them. We can stand for peace, human rights and humanitarian principles while also respecting the independence of sporting organisations and protecting the interests of Irish athletes. I welcome the fact that the government now appears to have adopted a position put forward by Independent Ireland's amendment. While there may be differences elsewhere in the motion on the central question of sport, the government has arrived at the same conclusion we did. We all recognise the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need to stand up for international law. But we also recognise that Irish athletes should not be punished for events beyond their control. Decisions on international fixtures belong to the FAI, UEFA and FIFA. Sports should unite people, not become another battlefield for our political disputes. So that is why we are putting forward our amendments here this evening.
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