Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has argued that shifting a Nations League match between Ireland and Israel from Dublin to a neutral venue would not address the core concern, insisting the fixture should be cancelled while the conflict in Gaza continues.

She said: "Moving the game does not resolve the issue. The issue is the game itself. These fixtures should not proceed while the genocide in Gaza continues.

"Our Dáil motion supports the Stop the Game campaign. The call is quite clear – the game should not proceed. The call is not for the game to take place somewhere else.

"Changing the venue of the fixture does not resolve the issue or the reality of what is happening in Gaza.

"Whether this game takes place in Dublin, Hungary or anywhere else is beside the point. The issue is that, as the people of Gaza endure starvation, bombardment, mass displacement and unimaginable human suffering, the international community cannot continue with business as usual. "Every day we witness more death, more destruction and more suffering inflicted on Palestinian civilians. Entire families have been wiped out. Children are being killed and maimed. People are queuing for food and aid only to face further violence and danger. The scale of human suffering is almost beyond comprehension.

"Against that backdrop, Ireland should not participate in a sporting fixture against Israel. Sinn Féin's answer is clear. We do not believe this game should proceed."

She urged the Irish Government to stop avoiding the matter and provide clear leadership. "The government cannot dodge this question by pointing to UEFA, the FAI or a change of venue. This is a political and moral issue.

"The people of Ireland have consistently stood with the Palestinian people. They expect their Government to act in accordance with the values of human rights, justice and international law.

"Moving the game does not resolve the issue. The issue is the game itself. These fixtures should not proceed while the genocide in Gaza continues."