Tánaiste Simon Harris told the new US Ambassador to Ireland that the “bombs have to stop” in Gaza.
Mr Harris, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, was addressing the annual Independence Day celebration at the ambassador’s residence in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, Edward Walsh’s first public event since presenting his credentials to President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday.
He spoke about the “enduring friendship” between Ireland and the US before mentioning the “ongoing situation in Gaza”.
“Ireland has always unreservedly condemned Hamas. We stand for the Israeli people’s right to live in peace. We call again for the release of all hostages.
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“But the bombs have to stop. The killing has to stop. We must have a ceasefire.
“Humanitarian aid must get to the people suffering horrific injuries, starvation and disease. Because the cry of a child is the same in any language. It compels us to provide comfort and protection from harm.
“As human beings in positions of power, we can no longer bear the heartbreaking cries of the children of the Middle East.
“I urge all involved to support and engage in efforts under way to reach agreement on a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement.”
Mr Harris told the crowd the US helped bring peace to our island “by putting its own reputation on the line, and believing in hope instead of history”.
“The Good Friday Agreement taught the world that peace is always possible, that wounds can be healed, and that differences that once seemed insurmountable can be overcome.”
Mr Harris said, at home and abroad, “Ireland’s message is always the same: We must honour our history by putting our own reputation on the line in the search for peace”.
“Ireland’s concerns reflect a heartfelt commitment to humanitarian principles and a belief that lasting peace can only come through justice, accountability, and the protection of all civilian lives.”
He said: “When friends speak candidly to one another, it strengthens rather than weakens their bond.”
During his speech, Mr Harris also spoke about the ongoing tariff war between the US and the EU.
“With some of the most important voices in the Irish and US business communities here tonight, let me say again loud and clear – we want and need to see an agreement reached between the EU and the US,” Mr Harris said.
“Ireland has been consistent in our approach; we want to see zero for zero tariffs in as many areas as possible. We want to reach a deal as soon as possible.”
Mr Harris spoke after Mr Walsh, so the ambassador didn’t have the chance to reply – publicly at least. The men held a private meeting before the event.
In his speech, Mr Walsh expressed his “deep gratitude to my good friend, president Donald Trump, for entrusting me with this role”.
He told the crowd he stood before them “as a businessman, a family man, and someone who deeply values the ties that bind communities together, from the boardroom to the golf course”.
Mr Walsh said he looked forward to “building lasting relationships, communicating openly and embracing all that brings our people together”.
After the speeches, Michael Flatley played a flute solo.
People then formed a queue to take photos with Walsh – including Independent TDs Mattie McGrath and Carol Nolan – while a live band, the Controversial All Stars, played You Can Go Your Own Way.
About 2,500 guests from the worlds of politics, business, culture, sport, and media attended the event, marking the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America.
Many TDs, past and present, milled around, but several politicians turned down an invite to the party. Among them was People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, who took part in a large Palestine solidarity protest across the road from the residence.
Protesters shouted “shame, shame” and “you feast while Gaza starves” as guests entered the party.
Ms Coppinger was among the protesters. She said, as a TD, she had been invited to the celebration but could not in good conscience attend.
“It’s absolutely incredible that such a thing would be organised. The people of Gaza are starving or being killed trying to access food,” she said.
Ms Coppinger described the situation in Gaza as “US-funded genocide”.
“Genocide in Gaza couldn’t be happening without the political, and financial support of the United States.”
Zak Hania, an Irish-Palestinian man who spent months trapped in the Gaza Strip before returning to Ireland last year, was also at the protest.
“The Americans are a huge part in this genocide, and they are contributing to the killing machine of our children and our elderly and our people,” Mr Hania said.
“You are having a huge dinner, and you are inviting a lot of people to eat and enjoy while the blood of our children are on the streets and our people are dying of hunger.”
