McEntee 'shocked' at UK decision on Sally Rooney books

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has said she was "shocked" that Sally Rooney's books are being removed from UK shops, and will raise the matter with her British counterpart.

On Wednesday, Faber confirmed it will stop supplying Rooney's books in the UK, but says copies already held by retailers will not be removed from sale.

The publisher clarified its position to RTÉ Entertainment after announcing that UK legislation meant it could no longer pass on earnings from sales to the Irish author because of her support for Palestine Action, which is banned in the UK.

Ms McEntee has told the Dáil she followed Rooney's work and held it in high regard.

"I know Sally Rooney, I like her work," she said.

Minister McEntee also said she has spoken "a number of times" to her British counterpart, Ed Miliband, "who has set out very clearly" his position in support of Palestine.

She said that she "has no problem" raising the matter of Ms Rooney with the UK Foreign Secretary, but cannot comment on another country's laws.

"I will speak directly to the minister," she promised.

She was responding to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney who said that Ms Rooney is one of Ireland's most celebrated authors.

"Her position (in support of Palestine Action) is echoed by many other Irish artists," said Deputy Gibney.

On Wednesday, Faber said it remained proud of Rooney's body of work and would continue selling her books in other territories.

Rooney, whose bestselling novels include Normal People, Conversations with Friends and Intermezzo, said the decision followed her public declaration that she intended to continue supporting Palestine Action.

The group was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK in July 2025.

In a statement, Rooney said she had written an opinion piece the following month expressing her intention to continue supporting the group.

"As a result, the fulfilment of my contracts to publish my work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offence," she said.

Rooney confirmed that Faber had reached its decision "with my full agreement".

"I have made every effort to be honest with the public about my beliefs and intentions, and I am wholly prepared to accept the consequences," she added.

Rooney previously said she intended to use proceeds from her books and television adaptations to support Palestine Action.

Last November, the author warned in a witness statement submitted to the High Court in London that her existing books could disappear from UK bookshops and that she might be unable to publish new work there.

In February, the High Court ruled that the decision to ban Palestine Action was unlawful and disproportionate.

However, that ruling was overturned by the Court of Appeal in June, which found that the ban was lawful.

An appeal over the ban is due to be heard by the UK Supreme Court on 4 and 5 November.

Rooney previously cancelled a trip to Britain to collect a literary award over concerns that she could face arrest because of her support for the group.

The author's novels Normal People and Conversations with Friends were both adapted into television dramas, while her most recent novel, Intermezzo, was published in 2024.