Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The United Nations, like Christianity, has never been allowed to work. It is not currently democratically controlled, but if it was and the Security Council did not call all the shots, it could operate as a world police force which could take decisions on when we needed to intervene. It is the most appropriate body and very close to the way we operate. We could demand a UN position and then operate the triple lock mechanism. The word "interoperability" was used. One could then have a situation where the two policies would fit snugly together. The Irish Army or any other would no longer need to exist. There could be a UN army with Irish members, which is what happens when the Irish Army serves abroad.

I would like to develop some of these ideas in greater detail but will conclude by saying we cannot stand idly by if something needs to be done. We should be prepared to play our role as a State in the world order in a controlled, democratic fashion. It is important to recognise that members of the Army at commissioned officer level and below support the action of front-line workers next Tuesday. I agree they should not be allowed to strike, but they should be able to articulate their views.