Eoin Hayes Suspended from Social Democrats for Misleading on Share Divestment
Newly elected TD Eoin Hayes faces suspension after providing false information regarding the sale of shares linked to the Israeli Defence Forces.
The Social Democrats have confirmed the suspension of newly elected TD Eoin Hayes after he was found to have provided incorrect information about the divestment of his shares in Palantir, a software company that supplies the Israeli Defence Forces.
Hayes stated that he sold the shares in July 2024 for a pre-tax figure of €199,000 but had previously declared on his ethics form that he had completely divested within the last 12 months.
During a recent press conference, Hayes refused to confirm details about the share sale but later admitted he had been incorrect in stating he sold the shares before entering politics.
He clarified that the sale occurred a month after his election to Dublin City Council in June 2024.
Cian O'Callaghan, deputy leader of the Social Democrats, announced Hayes's suspension, emphasizing the importance of transparency with the public.
The situation has sparked broader discussions regarding political accountability, especially in light of Palantir's recent increased support for the Israeli military.
Critics, including members of People Before Profit, have expressed strong disapproval, suggesting that such actions contradict the Social Democrats' platform related to Palestine.