Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin MP / DR ‹ › Irish parliamentarians supporting the Polisario Front have called on the Dublin government to put «international pressure to vindicate the right of the Western Sahara to self-determination». This appeal came from Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire of the Sinn Féin party, who raised the issue in a written question. He also urged the government to engage in dialogue with the «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)». In response, Helen McEntee, Minister for Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Trade, emphasized that «Ireland's position on Western Sahara has been, and continues to be, guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara». The Minister reiterated that «Ireland's engagement on this issue will also continue to take account of the role of, and the insights provided by, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura. Any outcome should be consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, including the fundamental principle in international law of the right of peoples to self-determination». She further stated that «Ireland will continue to support UN-led efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute», without referencing American initiatives to restart talks among the parties involved. The Minister noted that «Officials at the Headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in the Mission network continue to be in contact with relevant parties to the dispute in this regard». Brahim Ghali led a Polisario delegation to Ireland on February 14 and 15, 2024. Despite meeting with former President Michael D. Higgins, whose role is largely ceremonial, the Polisario leader did not meet with any members of the Irish government at that time. Since January 23, 2025, Ireland has been governed by a coalition led by Prime Minister Micheál Martin of the Fianna Fáil party (center-right). The Sinn Féin party remains in opposition.
