Statement by TUV deputy leader Court councillor Ron McDowell:
“Today’s announcement by the Republic has been predictably fawned over by BBC Northern Ireland but there has been little serious scrutiny of its ramifications.
“Let’s not forget that the reason why there are Israeli forces in Gaza is because of the horrific events of 7th October. They are attempting to remove Hamas from power there – an organisation which is recognised as a terrorist group by most of the international community. Yet Hamas came to power in elections in Gaza.
“Hamas is responsible for the atrocities of 7th October including mass murder of men, women and children and countless examples of sexual violence against Israeli women. To this day civilians – assuming they haven’t been murdered – continue to be held hostage by Hamas.
“Having provided sanctity for terrorists for 30 years during the IRA’s bloody campaign of terror, today’s decision by Dublin gives succour to another group terrorists. It is also important to remember that far from wanting to see a two state solution, Hamas openly call for the annihilation of the world’s only Jewish state.”