Dear Micheál Martin TD, Darragh O'Brien TD and Brendan Smith TD,

We the undersigned are concerned that Ireland may prematurely recognise a State of Palestine in the coming weeks.We are aware that your political party, Fianna Fail is pushing for the Government of Ireland to recognise a State of Palestine.

If Ireland was to recognise a Palestinian State tomorrow, it would not bring it into existence, and indeed such action would only be counter-productive as it will encourage Palestinians to remain outside the negotiation room. Such a move by Ireland ultimately undermines attempts to restart peace negotiations. A lasting peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians will not come via unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state but rather through a dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has asked to meet Mahmoud Abbas directly and Abbas has refused.Israel does want peace, Israel has made numerous gestures for peace, Leaving Gaza in 2005 for peace, in 2009 Israel announced a 10 month settlement freeze, and for the last 2 decades Israel has released terrorists from jail in the hope of improving relations with the Palestinian Authority.Unfortunately, it is the Palestinian Authority who have rebuffed offers of peace-talks by insisting on a set of pre-conditions before entering into talks.

Ireland, as a neutral country, could have a role to play in bringing peace to the Middle East. However, prematurely recognising a State of Palestine will ensure Ireland is not considered an "honest broker" by Israelis and Ireland will be shut out from any potential role in peace negotiations.
Ireland, through its experience with the Northern Ireland Peace Process, knows only too well that outsider 3rd party influence can have a negative impact on peace negotiations.

We the undersigned urge the Irish government and opposition not to recognise a State of Palestine and instead urge both sides to return to the negotiation table without preconditions.