The only possible route to peace in the Middle East is “a stable, democratic state for the Palestinian people”, according to Micheál Martin. 

Speaking at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in Dublin, he said he will soon bring to Government a “formal proposal” to recognise a Palestinian State. 

“The only possible route to peace is for a stable, democratic state for the Palestinian people,” he said. 

He noted Hamas should be condemned for the attack on Israel on October 7th and demanded the release of all hostages. 

“They should release all hostages and stop their activities, which have brought great misery to the Palestinian people,” he said. 

“But as I have said repeatedly, including in direct discussions with the Israeli government, its war in Gaza is causing a shocking humanitarian catastrophe and cannot be justified. 

“The evidence shows that war crimes have been committed and the bombardment of the population must be utterly condemned.” 

Members of Fine Gael voted down a motion to enact the Occupied Territories Bill and recognise the Palestinian State at the party’s Ard Fheis on April 6th. 

Micheál Martin and Bertie Ahern at the 82nd Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis, 13/04/2024. Image: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

In his address, Mr Martin said he understands “why people are concerned” in the face of “profound challenges”. 

“But be in no doubt – we can, and we will overcome them,” he said. 

“I know this because we have already achieved so much as a country – and we can achieve so much more.” 

Mr Martin emphasised the importance of the upcoming European Parliament elections and said Ireland “must stand for a reformed and more effective Union”. 

He also said Ireland must support trade and trade agreements which are “fundamental to Irish jobs” and tackle the cost-of-living crisis. 

“The greatest challenge which most families face is the rising cost of living,” he said. 

“We’ve taken a number of urgent steps to help families such as direct aid for electricity bills. 

“Fianna Fáil promised to tackle the high cost of childcare and we’re delivering. 

“Childcare fees will be down by 50% from September and we will continue to increase funding to create affordable childcare places in every community.” 

Martin on housing

The Fianna Fáil leader also noted “the biggest worry for many people is whether or not they can find a home to buy or rent”. 

“The simple fact is that the only way to make homes more accessible and more affordable is to build more homes, and to directly help people on lower incomes,” he said. 

"Immediately when we went into government, we began developing and implementing action on every element of housing. 

“Since we came to office, over 100,000 new homes have been completed- this is just the start.” 

Mr Martin said Fianna Fáil is reforming planning laws and training “thousands of apprentices” to build more homes. 

“A new era of social housing has begun,” he said. “Last year alone saw the delivery of 12,000 social homes. And we will go much further.” 

Mr Martin also said Fianna Fáil is “determined to deliver a sustained increase in the income of older people”.