Councillors pass motion for Drogheda to become an Apartheid-free zone

Drogheda councillors have supported a motion that would make Drogheda an Apartheid-free zone. 

The motion was put forward by mayor of Drogheda, Labour councillor Michelle Hall and received the unanimous support of Drogheda's councillors. 

Mayor Hall said the ongoing apartheid in Gaza is worse than it was in South Africa during the 20th century, and a similar approach should be taken towards Israel.

She called on Louth County Council, local businesses, retail and consumers to avoid Israeli products and services where possible as revenue from these "helps to fund the occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people". 

The motion differs to the proposed Occupied Territories Bill currently making its way through the Houses of the Oireachtas as this a general boycott of all Israeli goods and services, as opposed to those originated from the illegally occupied territories, such as the West Bank. 

She said these settlements are "merely symptoms of the wider problem of Israeli colonialism and apartheid" which "cannot be divorced from the state that creates and sustains them. 

Mayor Hall said everyone should try choose alternative products than ones linked to Israel, such as insurance companies AXA and Allianz as well as tool makers Black and Decker, who she said all have ties to Israel. 

Fellow Labour councillor Pio Smith welcomed the motion and said this is a time when "big countries and big powers...do what they want". 

Cllr Smith said he hopes the Occupied Territories Bill will be passed but acknowledged there could be a "negative kickback for Ireland". 

He also said Ireland should be mindful not to alienate Israeli people and jews who oppose the actions of Israel's government and said they need to find a median. 

Sinn Féin councillor Eric O'Donovan said the situation in Gaza is "heartbreaking" and "crying shame" and said there needs to be a "bigger wave from the public". 

He said "it cannot be underestimated our ability and strength in numbers". 

Independent councillor Kevin Callan supported the motion and said these are uncertain times and said there are "less and less people" speaking out in opposition. 

Fine Gael councillor Anne-Marie Ford told the meeting "we're all bystanders" and warned against "sitting on the fence and do nothing".

Mayor Hall received words of praise from her fellow councillors before concluding she wants to make Israel a "pariah state".

Speaking to Louth Live after the meeting, Mayor Hall said there are no plans at this time to bring this motion to the full council.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.