This is the shared understanding of the governments of the 15 member states that negotiated the treaty. It is also the understanding of the legal services of the European Council. The Seville declarations confirm that these guarantees stand and that they will be respected by the member states. Of course the cynics say they are merely a political promise. The proposed amendment, however, goes further than a mere political promise. If approved by the people, it will prevent the State from adopting a decision by the European Council to establish a common defence policy where that common defence policy would include Ireland. In putting forward this proposal, the Government has not only changed the question that is being put before the people, but has eliminated any reasonable, outstanding doubts about the Nice treaty and its impact or potential impact on Irish neutrality.