Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Many people will be concerned by that response. The removal of unanimity would itself require unanimity, but once that decision was made, it could only be reversed by the Council. A Government decision that fundamentally undermined Ireland’s position on defence matters could not be overturned by the will of the Irish people at a subsequent election. Therefore, it is crucial that all political parties be upfront and categoric in stating that, on matters of foreign affairs and defence, either Europe must speak with one voice or each member state should be entitled to articulate its own voice. The events in Gaza in recent months have crystallised the need for states like Ireland to be able to pursue independent foreign policies.

In precisely what areas would the Tánaiste countenance the removal of the unanimity principle in foreign affairs and defence matters?

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