Simon Harris: Ireland recognised Palestine to push two-state solution

The decision by Ireland, Spain and Norway to recognise Palestine as a state outraged Israel but also put pressure on other European allies to take the same course. Taoiseach (prime minister) Simon Harris explained his government's thinking in this historic step.

"Quite frankly, because we must keep the hope, the dream and the destination of a two- state solution alive at a time when, sadly, others are working to undermine that. We believe, and Ireland has believed for many, many years, that the way you bring peace and stability to the Middle East is the recognition of a two-state solution.

"It's very hard to bring about a two-state solution if you don't recognise the existence of two states. Ireland would have much preferred to have this as part of a peace process. Indeed, that was what our programme for government had originally intended to do. But we can't wait forever and it's an awful long time - many decades since the Oslo Accords.

"Now, more than ever, we need to speak up and speak out about the importance of a two-state solution, because that is ultimately what provides the people of Israel, the people of Palestine and the broader region with the stability of the peace that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve. We've worked extensively with European counterparts. We've obviously moved in lockstep with Norway and with Spain. And I also expect in the coming weeks other European countries to also recognise Palestine."

Harris feels recognition is critical at this stage as other interests, including Israel's leadership, are actively working to undermine progress towards a two-state solution.

"I don't think the Netanyahu government is in any way, shape or form committed to the delivery of a two-state solution. We've