The Taoiseach has condemned comments made by a councillor in his party who said the US economy was “ruled by Jews”.
Simon Harris said a disciplinary process into the matter should be “swift and robust” as he described the statement by his party colleague as “absolutely offensive”.
At a meeting of Dublin City Council this week Fine Gael councillor Punam Rane said “the entire US economy is ruled by the Jews, by Israel”.
Ms Rane later posted on social media: “I completely withdraw my comments made at last night’s city council meeting in relation to a motion on the Occupied Territories Bill.
“It was wrong and I fully apologise for it.”
I completely withdraw my comments made at last night’s city council meeting in relation to a motion on the Occupied Territories Bill. It was wrong and I fully apologise for it.
— Cllr. Punam Rane-Fine Gael (@PunamRaneFG) October 8, 2024
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The President of the World Jewish Congress Ronald S Lauder heavily criticised Ms Rane.
“I unequivocally condemn the vile use of antisemitic rhetoric by Dublin official Punam Rae.
“Although she subsequently apologised, her blatant scapegoating of Jews warrants a strong response by Fine Gael, her political party.
“Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris, as the leader of his country and his party, must make clear that there is no place for antisemitism in Ireland.
“When President Biden meets with him, I hope that he raises the urgent crisis of antisemitism facing Jews worldwide, including for Irish Jews.”
Asked about the matter during his visit to Washington DC, Mr Harris told reporters: “The comments were utterly wrong, absolutely offensive, entirely inappropriate and are fully condemned by me.
“We have established a disciplinary process that needs to be swift and it needs to be robust.”
Asked if Ms Rane should consider her position, Mr Harris said: “I want the disciplinary process to run its course and its important that I don’t cut across that in terms of due process.”
The Fine Gael leader added: “I’m extremely annoyed about the the comments, they were utterly wrong and inappropriate and that’s why there is a swift disciplinary process in place.”
