Labour’s Ogbu Admits “Mistake” While Slamming Journalist for Reporting It

Labour Party by-election candidate and Galway councillor Helen Ogbu stayed in the Israeli-owned Leonardo Hotel from the 10th of June until the 11th of June 2026, breaking BDS, despite knowing about the boycott as she was pictured in May 2025 attending a protest against the same hotel chain's complicity in genocide. The following message was sent into the Tonn Na Clé, Galway-based left-wing grassroots campaign group, after she was questioned on it by members.

"A chairde,

I want to address the report that has been circulating regarding my stay at the Leonardo Hotel while attending an event in Dublin as a guest panelist.

I was invited to speak at the event, and the accommodation was arranged and paid for by the organisers. At the time, I did not make any connection between the hotel and Israel. That was an honest oversight on my part, and it was only afterwards that I became aware of the concerns that have been raised.

As many of you know, I am a strong supporter of the BDS movement and have always supported its principles. Had I known of these issues in advance, I would have made a different decision. This was an oversight on my part and one that I will not repeat.

I am also concerned that the publication did not contact me before publishing its report to verify the facts. Had I been given that opportunity, I could have corrected a number of inaccuracies contained in the article.

I am troubled that details of my accommodation and movements appear to have been monitored and reported in this way. I also find the timing of the publication, on the eve of the Council's AGM, concerning.

I hope this clarifies the situation. Those who know me know where I stand and the values I have consistently upheld. I remain fully committed to the causes and principles I have always supported, and I will be more vigilant regarding future invitations and engagements.

Go raibh maith agaibh. Helen"