@hannahmccarthyreports: As Benjamin Netanyahu took to the podium to deliver his speech at the 81st sessions of the UN General Assembly in New York today, dozens of diplomats staged a walk out in protest at the Israeli Prime Minister. In the back corner of the hall sitting beside Iraq, Ireland’s delegate remained seated as diplomats filed past them. Ireland has long had a policy of not leaving speeches like these in protest. And that’s on the basis that diplomacy requires engaging with and listening with those you don’t agree with - a sort of open door foreign policy. But last year, during last year’s UN general assembly, Ireland did leave the hall when Netanyahu took to the floor. It’s not clear yet why there was a different position taken this yea n very little has changed on the ground in Gaza or southern Lebanon or Iran. It could simply be down to a difference of approach between Simon Harris who was foreign minister last year and Helen McEntee who was foreign minister this year? So which position do you think Ireland should take? Should Ireland make a point of listening to everyone, or should it make these small acts of protest on the international stage?

Hannah Reports

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Thursday 24 September 2026 21:27:22 GMT