Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Ireland has been neutral in international relations since the 1930s. The nature of Irish neutrality has varied over time and has been contested since the 1970s but many people believe that Irish neutrality means whatever the Government of the day wants it to mean. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced some to consider where we stand when it comes to global affairs.

A recent Sunday Independent poll reveals a clear, significant division in Irish society when it comes to foreign policy. These are divisions that will need to be resolved if emerging splits in Europe become sharper. It looks like there are two sides to this argument: those who would prefer Ireland to engage in military action in the current conflict and those who would prefer this country to maintain its policy on neutrality. I read with interest in the poll carried out by Irish Independenton whether Ireland should remain military neutral in relation to the war that there was majority 2:1 support for continuing our current policy. However, this support was weakest among Government parties with just 53% of Government supporters supporting the continuation of Ireland being neutral. My reading of this shows a weakening of Ireland’s stance on neutrality. While I would like our neutrality to continue, I would not support Shannon Airport being refused its use for a base for US soldiers going to other countries. Common sense must apply. While neutrality is important, we must have spending in the Department of Defence to protect our country from sea and air traffic from other countries. It is scandalous that this country does not have proper capability to protect itself from issues that are not out of our control. While it is important to continue our policy on neutrality, it is far more important that we could become peacemakers in the world. Our navy was referenced. Our navy and Army are under-resourced. Our navy is attacking our fishermen instead of working to protect our country.

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