Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, has said today’s Irish Times opinion poll reinforces the Irish people’s strong support for neutrality.
The poll shows overwhelming support for neutrality to be guaranteed by the constitution. Deputy Ó Laoghaire said this is further evidence that the government’s attempt to erode our neutrality is contrary to the wishes of the Irish people.
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said, “This opinion poll reflects the Irish people’s strong belief in neutrality.
“It is further proof that the government’s attempt to erode our neutrality has little to no public support and they are acting contrary to the beliefs of the Irish people.
“The Irish people are deeply invested in Ireland’s independent foreign policy.
“We are living in a volatile world. Ireland’s place in that world must be as a country that stands up for international law. Our military neutrality is central to that and must be protected.
“The government frequently speaks about the need for sovereign decision making in relation to neutrality. If they are so confident in their argument and genuinely believe in sovereign decision making they should put it to the Irish people.
“Instead, they have dismissed that call, ultimately because they can see that they do not have the support of the Irish people.
“Irish neutrality is a strength and has allowed us to punch above our weight for decades. It would be shortsighted and foolish of the Irish government to squander the benefit that Ireland’s independent foreign policy gives us, as a knee-jerk attempt to curry favour internationally.
“It must also be said that there is nothing in the Triple Lock that prevents the government from investing in our defence forces and ensuring our security.
“Ireland has huge issues in terms of our national security. It was reported recently that the much haunted but significantly delayed counter-drone technology won’t be deployed outside of defence forces locations, this raises significant questions about the EU presidency.
“The reality is that the threat to our security is a result of significant neglect of our defence forces by successive governments.
“It is Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments that are to blame for security issues – not the Triple Lock.
“There is nothing in the Triple Lock that prevents governments from investing very significantly in our defence forces.
“Sinn Féin believes we need to be strong on neutrality and take security and defence seriously. That is the best way forward for Ireland.
“That is not a reason to undermine our long held position of military neutrality and independent foreign policy.”
