Palestinian flag taken down from Leinster House

A Palestinian flag which had been raised outside Leinster House has been taken down.

The flag was first flown outside the parliament building on the day that Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood this week.

It was raised on a flagpole alongside the EU flag and the Ukraine flag, which has been displayed following Russia’s invasion.

On Friday, however, the Palestinian flag was no longer on display outside Leinster House.

The EU and Ukraine flags continue to be raised.

Ireland’s ministers met on Tuesday and officially agreed to recognise a Palestinian state, in a joint move with Spain and Norway.

Asked about the decision to take down the flag, an Oireacthas spokeswoman said: “The flag was flown to coincide with the Government’s motion in the Dail last Tuesday.”

While the flag has been removed from outside Leinster House, another Palestinian flag is on display within an entrance hall to the building.

However, Sinn Fein representatives criticised the placement of an Israeli flag directly beside it.

They are further flanked by the Irish flag and a UN flag.

Seantor Lynn Boylan said: “This is utterly inappropriate.

“The Israeli flag is flying in Leinster House in the week that we recognised the state of Palestine and while the bombardment of innocent Palestinian civilians continues.

“This needs to be taken down immediately.”

Her colleague and party foreign affairs spokesman Matt Carthy said it was “disgraceful stuff”.

“Disgraceful stuff to fly the Israeli flag in Leinster House at any time but to do so this week is an utter scandal.

“Israel is currently in violation of the International Criminal Court.”

He said Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin must immediately get the Israeli flag taken down.