Ireland’s trade with Israel is an ‘obscenity’, says Catherine Connolly

"It is an obscenity to be trading with a country that is committing genocide."

In a new interview with JOE, the independent presidential candidate spoke about Palestine and whether she would ever meet with Benjamin Netanyahu.

Connolly explained that she believes it is an 'obscenity' that Ireland still trades with Israel through Europe.

When asked about the Occupied Territories Bill, she said that she believes the bill should apply to both goods and services.

The current bill, which was brought to Cabinet by Simon Harris, seeks to place a ban on trade in goods with Israeli-occupied territories, but not services.

However, Connolly says that the bill should be applied to both.

"The Occupied Territories Bill should've been enacted a long time ago."

And she isn't alone in this view, with Trócaire confirming  74% of Irish people support the Occupied Territories Bill. Ireland is Israel’s second-largest trading partner after America.

Connolly stressed that she's aware of the restrictions on a president, but said she will never shy away from expressing her opinions on the Occupied Territories Bill.

"The Occupied Territories Bill should've been enacted a long time ago, including goods and services. We're trading with Israel through Europe, and that's an obscenity, to be trading with a country that's committing a genocide."

When asked if she would be comfortable meeting Benjamin Netanyahu, Connolly said the president has a specific role in relation to meeting people, but that doesn't mean you have to agree with them.

Connolly explained that during her time as Ceann Comhraile, she met lots of people she didn't like, but that the role of a President is one to meet people, even those that you disagree with.

When pressed, she said the question is 'speculative', and though she has 'strong opinions' on the Israeli leader.

"At the moment, we have a powerful man carrying out genocide, and we've a powerful America, with other countries financing that.

"And that's the position we find ourselves. At this moment, I hope there's a peace deal.

She added: "The genocide has to stop, and we have to have a peace deal."

"As President, I will do it to the best of my ability, as professionally as I can, but that doesn't mean I have to agree with whom I'm meeting."

Connolly also praised the people of Ireland for being so vocal about Palestine.

"It's the people of Ireland, young and old, who have said don't do this in our name, and they have gone out in every weather, every season for almost two years now to say stop the genocide in Gaza."

"They forced our country into recognising Palestine last year, and they're forcing us every step of the way with the Occupied Territories Bill."

You can watch Catherine Connolly's full interview below: