IRISH neutrality is being crucified, the Dublin Green MEP Ms Patricia McKenna, said at a demonstration yesterday outside the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin to oppose the defence strategies outlined in the White Paper on Foreign Policy.
She told the demonstration organised by Action from Ireland (AfrI) that the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, needed to be told loud and clear that we did not want any more nails hammered in the cross of Irish neutrality.
"We want this honourable policy resurrected and for Ireland to stand up for peace, justice and human rights".
She said that joining Nato's Partnership for Peace or forging links with the Western European Union eventualities which the White Paper committed the Government to "exploring" appeared to be unconstitutional.
"Article 29 of Bunreacht na hEireann states' that Ireland affirms its devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation among nations founded on international justice and morality," she said. "If the Government implements the White Paper's suggestions, then it would seem to be in breach of the constitution.
She said that the Irish people were the only ones empowered to change the Irish Constitution, but the Government did not appear to want to give them an opportunity to do that.
Nearly 50 people took part in a vigil outside the Department of Foreign Affairs, and later outside the EU offices in Molesworth Street, Dublin.