Mayo authority urged to call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

"If we want to honour Michael Davitts legacy, we must speak up on the killing of innocent women and children in Gaza."

That's according to independent Castlebar candidate, Harry Barrett.

Barrett is asking the Mayo County Council to take a stand for peace by passing a motion for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza at the next general meeting of the authority.

"No word from our council on the slaughter in Gaza, in the lead up to Christmas, is not good enough, " he added.

He continued: "Inside the door of Áras an Chontae there is a bust of Michae Davitt.

"Davitt stood for human rights, non-violence and the rights of the oppressed.

"We must honour his legacy and use our voices now to stand for peace, compassion, and the protection of innocent lives.

"The suffering and loss in this conflict touch the core of humanity. Over 8,000 innocent children have been killed– a heartbreaking toll that cannot be ignored.

"If Davitt were alive today, he would not stay silent on these war crimes.

"Mayo people has a voice through its council, and it's essential to register our collective horror and disgust at the senseless killing of innocent civilians.

"I urge Mayo County Council to pass a motion condemning the violence and advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza."