Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has warned that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are dismantling Irish neutrality piece by piece – in a context where the world has stood on the brink of a major war in the Middle East.
She said “Neutrality is a strategic strength for Ireland. It allows Ireland to stand for peace, for diplomacy and for international law in an increasingly dangerous world. Ireland must be strong on neutrality – and strong on defence.”
Launching Sinn Féin’s new policy document, Protecting Irish Neutrality, Deputy McDonald said the horrific scenes from Lebanon US-Israel-Iran conflict has demonstrated how quickly global tensions can escalate.
She said, “The horrific scenes in Lebanon in recent days have shocked the conscience of the world. It underlines once again that the Middle East, due to the actions of the US and Israel, stands on the brink of a much wider war.
“At moments like this, Ireland must be absolutely clear – we are neutral, and we will not be dragged into anyone else’s war.”
McDonald said that Ireland’s position must now be clearly asserted, particularly in relation to the use of Irish territory in the context of international conflict.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael must come clean. Irish airspace and airports, including Shannon, cannot be used – directly or indirectly – to facilitate military operations. Neutrality must mean something.”
She warned that plans by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to dismantle the Triple Lock would represent a fundamental shift in Ireland’s foreign policy.
“Ireland must be strong on neutrality- and strong on defence.
“The Triple Lock is a core protection of our neutrality. It ensures Irish troops cannot be deployed overseas as part of an international mission, without a UN mandate. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael want to remove it. We will oppose them.”
McDonald described neutrality as a strategic strength for Ireland.
“Neutrality is a strength. It allows Ireland to stand for peace, for diplomacy and for international law in an increasingly dangerous world.”
She also highlighted the need for urgent investment in the Defence Forces, criticising successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael administrations for long-term neglect.
“Our Defence Forces have been run down over many years. Sinn Féin is calling for any move to dismantle the Triple Lock to be put to the people in a referendum. This is not a decision for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael alone. It belongs to the Irish people. Let the people decide.”
The Protecting Irish Neutrality document sets out Sinn Féin’s plan to:
- Protect the Triple Lock
- Enshrine neutrality in Bunreacht na hÉireann
- Invest in the Defence Forces
- Oppose moves towards an EU military framework
- Strengthen Ireland’s role in peacebuilding and diplomacy
Concluding, Ms. McDonald said, “Ireland has a proud tradition as a voice for peace. Sinn Féin will not abandon that. We will defend it.”
Sinn Féin’s policy document, Protecting Irish Neutrality, can be read here.
