Sir, - I found Garret FitzGerald's column of April 24th informative and interesting. It should provide a useful antidote to many of the misunderstandings concerning the development of the policy of what is termed "Irish neutrality".
Yet I am not clear as to the conclusions of Dr FitzGerald's piece. Is he suggesting that Ireland should join NATO or the NATO-led Partnership for Peace? His reference to "moral responsibilities" is certainly welcome, particularly in a world order where economic muscle is backed up by military might.
Given that so many people are denied basic human rights to shelter, adequate food and a fair share of the earth's resources, and that the most wealthy countries have developed a military apparatus to support their economic interests, a debate on "more responsibilities" would be most welcome.
In light of the pressure on space in your columns, may I record my view in simple terms: Ireland should resist the pressure to join a military-based alliance, particularly one led by the most powerful group of nations. - Yours, etc., Nessan Vaughan,
Ashcroft, Raheny, Dublin 5.