Irish Writers Union issue statement in support of Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney's books are no longer sold in the UK.
The Irish Writers Union expresses their full solidarity with Mayo author Sally Rooney following the withdrawal of sales of her books in the UK and the loss of other revenue from her writing due to her support for Palestine Action.
In June 2025, the UK parliament declared Palestine Action a terrorist group, against the advice of the United Nations.
As a result, Mayo author Rooney has had the sales of her books withdrawn due to her support for the group.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the IWU said: "The Irish Writers Union was founded by writers concerned with censorship in Ireland and view these events from that tradition. The creative work of writers such as Sally Rooney should be celebrated and enjoyed, as well as remunerated.
"Sally Rooney should not be obliged to change her views and public statements as a precondition to being able sell her books in the UK We consider it admirable that Sally Rooney would rather experience significant material loss than change her principled beliefs.
"We are proud to add our voice to the many voices across the world who support Sally Rooney’s stand."
Faber, Rooney's publisher previously said: "Current legislation in the UK has led to circumstances where Faber cannot pass on UK earnings to Sally Rooney for her work.
"To sell a writer’s work and not be able to pass on earnings is an unconscionable situation for a publisher. As such, and in full agreement with Sally, we have taken the decision that we can no longer supply her works in the UK in any format.".
Last month, public figures such as Paul Mescal and Kneecap signed a letter in support of Rooney.
The signatories call on the UK government to amend the legislation, rejecting what they describe as "direct or indirect" censorship.
Rooney's books continue to be sold in Ireland.
