Standing Up for Human Rights at Local Level: Why I’m Submitting a Suspension of Standing Orders on the Bray Air Show

Over the past year, members of the public have been contacting the organisers of Bray air show to express concerns about Lockheed Martin’s sponsorship of the Bray Air Show, planned for 2025. Lockheed Martin is one of the world’s largest arms manufacturers and a key supplier of fighter jets and Apache helicopters to Israel.

In the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have publicly described as genocide, this sponsorship raises serious ethical and reputational questions. Under international law, especially the Geneva Convention, Ireland has a responsibility to do everything within its power to help prevent genocide. That responsibility doesn’t just sit at national level, it must also be reflected in our decisions locally.

In recent days, public concern around this issue has grown online. In what appears to be a response, the organisers of the air show have removed Lockheed Martin’s logo and replaced it with the branding of a subsidiary which has been subtly altered to obscure its connection to the parent company. Rather than address the root concern, this has only added to the sense of unease.

The Bray Air Show is a cherished community event, known for being family-friendly, inclusive, and welcoming. It should not be overshadowed by controversy or indirectly associated with companies profiting from conflict. Accepting this kind of sponsorship risks undermining public trust and could draw national scrutiny and protest on the day.

That’s why I am submitting a Suspension of Standing Orders, with the support of my Social Democrats colleagues, to formally raise this issue with Wicklow County Council. I believe the council should urgently assess whether its involvement in the event poses legal, reputational, or ethical risks, given the nature of the sponsorship.

Remaining silent in this context is not neutral and could easily be seen as passive endorsement.

In line with this broader concern, I will also be submitting a motion in July asking the council to contact the Government and call for an end to the sale of war bonds.  A mechanism that enables financial investment in military operations. While that motion has not yet been heard, it reflects the growing call from the public for greater ethical accountability in how we use public platforms and resources.

We cannot advocate for peace and human rights while quietly benefiting from partnerships tied to war. Now more than ever, we must be clear about what we stand for and who we stand with.