The Daily Star Ireland
The Social Democrats have experienced a setback with one of their newly elected TDs facing suspension even before the Dáil’s first meeting. Eoin Hayes, who secured a surprise victory in Dublin Bay South, is at the center of a controversy over shares he owned in Palantir Technologies, a company linked to the Israeli military. This conflict of interest arose as Palantir has been providing technology to the Israeli Defense Ministry, conflicting with the Social Democrats’ strong stance on Gaza.
During a press conference, Hayes struggled to confirm when he sold his shares, initially misleading both his party and the media by claiming the sale occurred before his council election in June. It was later revealed he sold them in July for €200,000. Deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan described this as a serious issue, leading to Hayes’ suspension and an internal review.
The handling of this situation has drawn criticism both within the party and from external observers, with some labeling it as amateurish. Concerns have been raised about the party’s vetting processes, as Hayes’ LinkedIn profile openly listed his employment at Palantir, a company co-founded by controversial figure Peter Thiel.
Palantir’s recent strategic partnership with the Israeli Defense Ministry contrasts sharply with the Social Democrats’ frequent criticisms of the government’s stance on Gaza, highlighting a significant internal conflict. The party’s unwavering support for Gaza has been a cornerstone of their platform, making this incident particularly damaging.
Other political parties have taken a certain satisfaction in the Social Democrats’ predicament, with some seeing it as a fall from their perceived moral high ground. Labour, now with more TDs than the Social Democrats, views this as a notable shift in political dynamics.
Hayes has expressed his desire to regain his colleagues’ trust and return to the party, but the outcome of the internal review remains uncertain. While some believe time may mitigate the controversy, others argue that the ethical breach warrants expulsion.
This incident has drawn parallels to the party’s previous decision to deselect a candidate over views on Gaza, demonstrating their sensitivity to maintaining a consistent message on the issue.
Hayes now finds himself in a challenging position within Leinster House, as his suspension leaves him in a limbo between party membership and independent status. His ability to influence proceedings will be severely limited without the backing of a party, potentially affecting his political career.
