John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Maurice Hayes's call for a debate on neutrality. It is poignant that today is the 85th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Armistice Day in 1918 was a wonderful occasion, especially in Ireland because this country had sent many of its young men to fight German imperialism in Europe while at home, and against one of the largest empires the world had ever seen, the will of the people was to seek freedom from imperialism. It was a unique situation.

It is worthwhile noting that the human heart calls for freedom. A debate on our role and how we can assist in maintaining freedom and peace in the world, given our neutrality, should be applauded.