Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It would be symbolic to have it in Shannon, given that we have allowed the airport to be used and abused to develop the war effort. Ireland is a very well respected country and there was a time we were perceived as being neutral. Given that we are a small island, there is much sense in us being neutral and not taking sides in any of these wars. Sadly, that perception has long ended.

It probably would not happen before the next election but it would be wonderful if the next Government put it in the programme for Government that it would go the extra mile to promote peace. It should refuse to allow anybody to use our island or any facilities to participate in a war effort of any sort, and it should stop supporting anybody who wants to settle their dispute, expand or promote financial interests or the arms industry. It should stop anybody who wants to use our island as a prop in doing that. It would be wonderful to have an Irish Government that would take a position on the issue and stand up at last. It is doable.

The notion of a peace conference must be healthy. One would never hear people saying they are not in favour of peace.

Yet, when we do things that facilitate war, we are being hypocritical when we say we want peace. Under no circumstances will I take sides in any of the disputes that go on as all participants in war have their own ends, which are not positive. They lead to untold hardship, agony and destruction. With more than 33 million people now displaced because of war, it is surely time for us to shout "Stop". Ireland could play a small role in that regard by calling a peace conference and refusing to support anyone who engages in war.

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