Social Democrats TD Suspended After Delaying Share Disclosure
Newly elected Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has been suspended from the party with immediate effect following revelations that he failed to disclose the sale of his shares in a US software company that supplies the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a timely manner.
The controversy erupted after Hayes initially stated that he had sold the shares prior to entering politics. This statement, however, proved to be incorrect. It later emerged that he sold the shares in July 2024, a month after being elected as a councillor last June.
Transparency Concerns
In a statement, Deputy Leader Cian O’Callaghan expressed the party’s disappointment, stating, “It is imperative that the media, who hold politicians to account on behalf of the public, can rely on the information they receive from elected representatives.”
He continued, “For that reason, Eoin Hayes has been suspended from the Social Democrats parliamentary party with immediate effect.”
Hayes’ Explanation
Mr Hayes admitted to delaying the sale of the shares, stating in a statement, “I did sought to do much earlier but administrative barriers delayed the process.” He apologized for providing incorrect information about the timing of the sale during a press conference.
He also intended to sit as an Independent TD when the Dáil resumes on December 18th, claiming his stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict aligns with the Social Democrats’ position.
Shares and Palantir’s Involvement in Israeli Conflict
Palantir, co-founded by venture capitalist Peter Thiel and with investments from the CIA, utilizes data analysis to provide AI capabilities to the IDF and US agencies. The company has faced criticism for its role in supporting Israel’s operations in the conflict.