Mr. Gerard Guinan:

There are models in Europe that could be followed. Mr. Jacob is probably better placed to answer the question than me but in certain countries, one can join a political party but has to leave the armed forces prior to seeking election. A special type of leave is granted in those situations to allow one to run for election. Would I believe in it here in Ireland? I have to believe it is a right that should be available. Soldiers should have the greatest possible access to rights that are available to any citizen in a democratic state. I would say that one cannot be a member of the Defence Forces and serve in a political party. However, one should be granted leave and depart the Defence Forces in order to seek election. That is my view as a result of engaging with colleagues in Europe. A minister was recently elected from the armed forces in France, and I am sure there are multiple other examples. In Ireland, it applies broadly to civil servants and the concept of political impartiality has a broad meaning. I note that in Dáil Éireann, there are many Deputies, and a former Taoiseach, who are members of Tusla, social workers, teachers and things like that.

Our belief that a member of the Defence Forces cannot join a political party probably goes back to Civil War politics. I am not an historian. I believe in the future. I believe in a modern armed forces where the rights and entitlements of members are broadly aligned with those of citizens.