SENATOR PAUL COGHLAN     

Coghlan repeats words of O’Flaherty – “God Has No Country”

Fine Gael Kerry Senator, and Seanad Leas Cathaoirleach, Paul Coghlan, speaking during the Seanad Order of Business today (Tuesday) said “We have witnessed a weekend of distress in the airports of the US and elsewhere as a result of President Trump banning travel to seven Muslim majority countries and turning his back on the plight of refugees.

“No matter what a person’s faith, they deserve to be protected from conflict and helped to find safety. I would like to add my voice to all those appealing to President Trump to show grace and understanding to these people.

“This ban does not target terrorists; it targets vulnerable people and disproportionately those of Islamic faith. This cannot be defended and it should not continue. Only with understanding and cooperation can we hope to end the conflict and discourage terrorism.

“Of course, the Taoiseach should travel to Washington on our National Day. He has a unique opportunity to meet President Trump face to face and deal with all of the issues, including that of the 50,000 undocumented Irish in his own inimitable way. He is truly Ireland’s “trump” card and we can have every confidence in him. The Taoiseach also stated clearly yesterday that he does not agree with President Trump’s Executive Order on travel and that he will raise this issue with the President when he goes to Washington.

“President Trump would do well to remember the words of the late great Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty who worked so hard to protect and shelter those persecuted during World War II all over Rome. He helped save thousands of Jews, POWs and others. His saying is especially prevalent in this troubling time across the world - ‘God has no country’. We must show goodwill and be prepared to offer protection to all those in need.”

Office of the Seanad Leas-Cathaoirleach

Tuesday, 31st January 2017

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