Tánaiste Simon Harris has expressed that delays in the trial concerning the tragic killing of Private Seán Rooney are “simply not acceptable” to the Government. As he prepares for his upcoming trip to Lebanon, he emphasized the urgency of this message, stating, “I will be conveying that in the strongest possible terms” during political discussions in the region.
Private Rooney was fatally shot in southern Lebanon in December 2022, a loss that reverberates through both the military community and the nation. Mr. Harris intends to meet with Irish peacekeepers currently stationed there, offering them the support and gratitude they deserve.
Recently, tensions escalated in the area when Israel conducted military strikes following rocket fire from northern Israel by unidentified Lebanese militants, resulting in the loss of seven lives. In light of the ongoing challenges, Mr. Harris is also poised to announce increased funding for local community projects aimed at revitalizing southern Lebanon, a region still recovering from the devastation of the 2023-2024 conflict.
Throughout his visit, Tánaiste Harris is expected to express the Government’s “frustration and concern” regarding the slow progress of the trial involving seven individuals accused in the murder of Private Rooney, of whom only one has so far been detained. He aims to highlight the imperative for “accountability and justice” for Rooney’s grieving family.
Before his departure, Mr. Harris shared his anticipation: “I am very much looking forward to going to Lebanon to meet directly with the Irish peacekeepers—339 members of Óglaigh na hÉireann—who are serving with distinction in such a troubled and challenging part of the world.” He continued, “I take great pride in Ireland’s long-standing commitment to peacekeeping in Lebanon and look forward to thanking our troops in person, hearing directly from them, and addressing several key political points during my visit.”
“I will also be meeting with the defence minister and the foreign affairs minister, where I will have the opportunity to raise the compelling case of Private Seán Rooney. It is simply not acceptable that progress has stalled in the trial of those accused of his murder, and I look forward to articulating this concern with the utmost clarity.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
