Paul Murphy demands urgent debate on Trump, US imperialism

Paul Murphy called for an urgent parliamentary debate on the threat he says Donald Trump and US imperialism pose to the world. He alleged US forces bombed Venezuela, killed Venezuelans and Cubans, and kidnapped Maduro and his wife Celia Flores, and criticised the Irish response.

Call for urgent debate

Paul Murphy urged the Dáil to urgently discuss what he described as a global threat from Donald Trump and US imperialism, saying the Taoiseach had downplayed the issue earlier in proceedings.

Allegations of US military action

He stated that at the start of the year the United States bombed Venezuela, resulting in multiple Venezuelan and Cuban deaths, and claimed that Maduro and his wife Celia Flores were kidnapped by US forces.

Criticism of Irish establishment

Murphy accused the Irish establishment of offering a "boot-licking, craven response" to those events, arguing that official reactions had been inadequate given the severity of the allegations.

International law and UN statement

He noted the government characterised the alleged kidnapping as "complex in terms of international law," while saying the UN Secretary-General has been clear that the action would amount to a breach.

Direct challenge to the government

Murphy pressed the government for a clear position, stating he was prepared to debate whether it is acceptable for the United States to "go around kidnapping" and asking if Dublin effectively condoned such actions.