Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last Saturday, I had the honour of leading the 35th annual famine walk in the Leader's county of Mayo. It was organised by a wonderful group called Afri. This walk commemorates the suffering of Irish people during An Gorta Mór. It also serves as an opportunity, I believe, to reflect on the immense suffering that famine and war continue to inflict on people all across the world. As part of the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we have heard speeches in both Houses of the Oireachtas eloquently outlining the preciousness and indispensability of peace and all the benefits Ireland has accrued since that agreement was signed.

It is confusing and disturbing, though, to see some of those same politicians engage in a concerted campaign to end Irish neutrality. This is very worrying. A small group of politicians and journalists dominate the conversation about Irish neutrality, even though polling consistently shows their position is a profoundly unpopular one. I am concerned that the Government's forum on Irish neutrality will be a process with a foregone conclusion. We must ask why the Government has been pushing for this forum instead of using the established and proven process of a citizens' assembly. My concern is the Government is interested in influencing public opinion rather than reflecting it. The idea of increasing Government spending on weapons and war machines when so many people here experience poverty and deprivation is just horrific. This money should be directed towards public services and the people who need it most, and not the arms manufacturers with blood on their hands.

I am also very disappointed that the Green Party has recently abandoned its support for the triple lock. This is particularly disturbing when we think back to how the party emerged partially in response to the terrifying potential of nuclear war due to Cold War brinkmanship. It is sad to see a party founded to promote peace and non-violence change its position on this area. I call for a debate on neutrality, if it is at all possible, and as soon as it is possible.