Paul Murphy slams Taoiseach for refusing to condemn Iran bombings
Paul Murphy challenged the Taoiseach in leaders' questions over the US and Israeli bombing of Iran, accusing the government of refusing to condemn attacks it said violate international law and of subordinating policy to the United States. He highlighted casualty and displacement figures — over 700 dead, almost 200 killed in a single primary school strike, and 30,000 displaced by a Lebanese land invasion — and demanded a clear condemnation.
Accusation of moral cowardice
Murphy accused the Taoiseach of moral cowardice and of avoiding criticism so as not to irritate Donald Trump before a planned meeting. He said the Taoiseach's refusal to "tell the very simple truth" about the attacks illustrated a subordinate position to US imperialism.
Casualties and humanitarian impact
Murphy cited specific figures from the attacks: over 700 people killed so far; almost 200 people — overwhelmingly young school children together with teachers — killed in one strike on a primary school, described as 7 to 12-year-old girls; and Israel's commencement of a land invasion into Lebanon forcing 30,000 people to flee.
Legal and international order concerns
He argued the military action was in violation of international law and "not in accordance with a UN mandate." Murphy also warned of the powerlessness and paralysis of the international rules-based order, pointing to the Security Council's inability to respond effectively.
Critique of government silence on other abuses
Murphy criticised the Taoiseach for long-standing silence on Iranian atrocities, saying the government had been "very silent" in that regard and pressing for consistent condemnation of abuses regardless of the perpetrator.
Parliamentary exchange and interruptions
The intervention provoked a fractious exchange in the chamber, with Murphy and other deputies trading remarks and Murphy insisting "I did not interrupt you" as the discussion continued amid repeated interjections.
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It was quite incredible, Taoiseach, to hear you in leaders' questions again and again refuse to condemn the criminal US and Israeli bombing of Iran. Your refusal to tell the very simple truth that this attack is in violation of international law. It is a shocking illustration of your government's subordinate position to US imperialism and your moral cowardice in seeking not to irritate Donald Trump in advance of meeting with him. Taoiseach, over 700 people have been killed so far. Israel has commenced a land invasion into Lebanon, forcing 30,000 people to flee. Almost 200 people, overwhelmingly young school children, together with teachers, were killed in one strike alone at a primary school. These are 7 to 12-year-old girls, Taoiseach. What position have you got yourself into where you cannot condemn the murder of children? I am very clear that the action taken is not in accordance with a UN mandate. I am equally being clear about the powerlessness and paralysis of international rules-based order, as via the Security Council. I am also very conscious that for years now you have been very silent in terms of Iranian atrocities. I am sorry, you have never... Deputy T-Shock, we are not going to allow... I did not interrupt you Deputy. You were not interrupted. Allow the T-Shock to give his answer. I did not interrupt you. Look... Deputy Murphy. Sorry. We will be charitable. You have put many at the wrong spin in things I have said, Deputy, over the years. And I am under no illusions. You are in charge. They do not want the answer, T-Shock. They do not want it. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen. Deputy Paddard Tobeen.
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