éirígí representative Pádraic MacCoitir, who attended the meetings, said: "éirígí have attempted to resolve this dispute through direct communication with company management and representatives on a number of occasions. However, in the absence of any positive movement on the part of the companies concerned, we have no choice but to continue the campaign.

"In yesterday's meetings, it was admitted by management that it is possible to remove selected, i.e. Israeli goods, from the shelves of any particular store but that those with the power to give the go ahead for such action have so far refused to do so. This is an unacceptable and unsustainable stance and we intend to make that clear.

"éirígí reiterates that no protest action we take at these stores is aimed at staff or customers. Indeed, in our protest actions to date, we have received overwhelming support from customers and staff alike. éirígí appeals to workers at stores stocking Israeli goods to refuse to handle these products, but also to first ensure they are members of a trade union which will defend them in taking such action."

MacCoitir added: "In 20 years' time, the boycott Israel campaign will be talked about in the same vein as the boycott of apartheid South Africa. Companies continuing to stock Israeli goods need to decide now whether they are going to take the only ethical decision possible or whether they are going to face the opprobrium of being forced to do so by the weight of public opinion. Either way, these goods will eventually be removed.

"éirígí appeals for all those concerned at the plight of the Palestinian people to join the boycott protests, make their own complaints to the management of companies stocking Israeli goods and to not buy the products of Israeli apartheid."