Catherine Connolly calls US attacks "deliberate assaults on international law"

The President spoke in strong terms as she stated that "violations of the UN Charter cannot be ignored".

In a statement marking International Women’s Day, President Connolly said: "What we have witnessed in recent days in the Middle East, and beyond, are not political disputes.

"They are deliberate assaults on international law, the international laws that have underpinned global peace for 80 years.

"We must name them as such, without euphemism and without equivocation."

President Connolly added that Ireland is "uniquely positioned" with regard to conflict resolution and is obliged to speak out.

"Our unbroken record of international peacekeeping since 1958, and our decades of commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation, stand as testament to the disproportionate influence a small, neutral state can wield when it acts with integrity and purpose.

"And our history of colonisation, famine, and the hard-won, peaceful resolution of conflict in the North oblige us to speak plainly," she said.

"On International Women’s Day, let us reflect on these solemn commitments which we have made in our nation’s Constitution and take every action we can to support the United Nations and all those working to build peace in a time when so many distort language to justify and normalise war," President Connolly added.

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Michéal Martin and US President Donald J. Trump at the White House during St. Patrick's Day celebrations in 2025.

Established protocols mean the President should not comment on foreign affairs matters. In this case, Ms Connolly has contradicted Government policy and it has caused a significant backlash.

With US President Donald Trump known for his rapid reactions to any perceived criticism, there are now fears that Connolly’s comments could put the Taoiseach’s visit to the White House in jeopardy.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, a number of cabinet ministers said that Connolly’s comments put the Taoiseach "in a very difficult position".

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.