Kildare TD and former soldier comments on Army Ranger Wing pay and Israel-Palestine conflict

An Independent TD and former serving member of the Irish Defence Forces has spoken about his views on pay for the Army Ranger Wing (ARW).

Dr Cathal Berry, who previously served as a Commandant in the ARW, also took time to sit down with the Leinster Leader to discuss the recent escalation in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Commenting on the increase in pay for the ARW (which is a €280 a week allowance), Dr Berry TD said: "It is great to see some progress... it is important for people to see the optics bearing fruit.

"The news has gone down well in The Curragh Camp."

He continued: "The injustices faced by the Army are a lightning rod for discontent, so seeing this news is definitely helpful for the morale of members, but we still have a long way to go (for other issues)."

Dr Berry TD also told the Leader that a 'high-level action plan' in relation to the Defence Forces is due to take place by the end of the month. 

He elaborated: "It is going to be something that will be forensically scrutinised, in order to make sure that the delivery happes in the short-term, and that it isn't just kicked down the line."

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Commenting on the escalation in the Israel-Palestine conflict, Dr Berry TD, who has previously served with the Defence Forces on peacekeeping missions in Israel, Syria and Lebanon, had this to say: "It is very concerning, and it is very unusual for (US) president Joe Biden to touch down in Israel, so whatever discussions that he and the Israeli government have had must have been very important."

"Unfortunately, I think that the situation will get worse before it gets better."

However, he added that he was 'not surprised' at the recent escalation, and said that when he was in Israel as a soldier, he likened the tense situation as 'a powder keg waiting to go off.'

Dr Berry TD explained: "There have been flare-ups before, but this recent development is significant. I feel that the next 24 to 48 hours in particular will be very telling."

He also condemned the deaths of civilians on both sides of the conflict: Dr Berry criticised the Israeli army's aggression against the Palestinian people, while also condemning the Muslim militant group Hamas for locating weapons in civilian areas.

"Civilians should absolutely not be a target in war," he added.

Lastly, when asked about his views on how most Irish people view the conflict, Dr Berry TD said: "There is sympathy with Palestine. Most people just want peace in Palestine.

"Ultimately, it's up to Israel and Palestine to organise the peace process amongst themselves."

"The priority should be a ceasefire, and the exchanging of hostages," he concluded.