On Tuesday 13th of February as Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council and Bray East Councillor I travelled to Dublin to meet with the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid. Along with fellow Cathaoirligh I signed a joint letter calling for an immediate ceasefire, the recognition of the two-state solution and the creation of a viable independent Palestine.
The strength of character and love for her people demonstrated by Ambassador Wahba Abdalmajid during our visit was exceptional. She has an extremely difficult role, in what can only be describes as horrific times.
In times of war and conflict history has proven that women and children are the greatest victims. The Ambassador and I, both mothers, discussed this issue in detail during their meeting and the need for peace now before more lives are lost.
The Ambassador thanked Ireland and the people of Wicklow, where she has visited previously for their strong support for justice and human rights, their kind messages and their continued support of humanitarian aid to deal with the impact on the lives of those affected.