On Wednesday evening, the Dáil passed a Sinn Féin motion declaring the settlements a de facto annexation in violation of international law. The Government voted in favour of the motion following the acceptance by Sinn Féin of an amendment condemning the actions of militant Palestinian group Hamas. The Dáil motion also points to changes in domestic politics. In times gone by, a government dominated by Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael would never have contemplated supporting such a proposal from Sinn Féin. It is no longer open to the Government to do as they always would have done in reacting to geopolitical issues like the Middle East; Mr Coveney’s references to annexation were highly significant in that respect.

Source: Irish Examiner May 28, 2021 07:57 UTC