Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Alternative to the agenda that the Tánaiste is promoting of militarisation, increased military co-operation, and edging the society towards closer co-operation with NATO. The list of names the Tánaiste spoke of is more groupthink than a debate in Irish society or a real forum. He has picked the judge, jury and overwhelmingly pro-NATO witnesses. It would seem that members of the public have the right to ask questions but not really to speak, address and engage at the forum. I will conclude by saying that I welcome the fact that the Cork Neutrality League will be protesting outside the first meeting at UCC next Thursday. I wish it well, as I do those who will be protesting in Galway and Dublin. Their voice needs to be heard. It is the voice of those who oppose military alliances.

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