He also met with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Beirut, and pressed him over justice for the killing of Private Sean Rooney. Hundreds of Irish soldiers are serving with the Unifil (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) mission in south Lebanon, which is due to come to an end next December when the UN mandate ends after almost 50 years. It is work that we in Ireland and people all over the world hope and pray is successful,” he said. “The work you are doing here in south Lebanon encapsulates all that is good and positive about that tradition. “Know that the government and the people of Ireland are very appreciative of your service and dedication to the cause of peace.”

Source: The Herald December 20, 2025 22:25 UTC