Letters

Defining neutrality in an Irish context

To deny a tradition of neutrality is to fly in the face of the historical record

Tue Jun 27 2023 - 00:09

Sir, – No one is saying it is easy to define Irish neutrality, and what it has been, but Fintan O’Toole does us all a disservice in not taking into consideration the realities of the historical record, from de Valera and the League of Nations, Frank Aiken’s fearless pursuit of a positive non-alignment (such a contrast with the current Minister for Foreign Affairs, of the same political party), to involvement in nuclear non-proliferation, and work on bans on landmines and cluster munitions (“Irish neutrality: A tiny Riverdance of angels dancing on the head of a Fáinne pin”, Opinion, Weekend, June 24th).

There is much to be proud about, including the military peacekeeping which is usually to the forefront of people’s minds.

Of course neutrality has at times been conditional but to deny a tradition of neutrality through angels and pinhead arguments is to fly in the face of the historical record.

And thereby it plays into the hands of those who would further erode any meaning to the concept.

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Why are we not specifically exploring in detail how a positive Irish neutrality can be developed and extended?

Why is that not a major focus at the Consultative Forum on International Security rather than being a little bit tacked on at the end, looking like an afterthought? – Yours, etc,

ROB FAIRMICHAEL,

Cordinator,

Innate – An Irish Network

for Nonviolent Action

Training and Education,

Belfast.

Sir, – Singapore has a similar population but less than 1 per cent of Ireland’s land area. It spends 3 per cent of GDP on its military (more than 10 times the Irish defence budget) and has compulsory national service. Having been occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945, the independent Singapore made a decision to defend itself. It rejected a policy of reliance on others.

By contrast, Ireland spends 0.3 per cent of GDP on its military and defence. It does not have a credible self-defence capability.

I note an uncle of Micheál Martin was a prisoner of war in Singapore and I applaud the Tánaiste’s leadership and realism in convening the forum on Ireland’s security and defence needs. – Yours, etc,

CONOR McCOOLE,

Singapore.

A chara, – Prof Andrew Cottey, in his contribution to the debate on neutrality, gives due consideration to the ethical dimension: “Supporters often assume that neutrality is a morally superior policy. Those who support this view should pause for a moment to consider Ukraine”, he says (“Assuming Ireland’s national security policy is morally superior is self-delusional”, Opinion & Analysis, June 24th).

Might I venture to suggest that those who advocate a “pragmatic” neutrality in close association with the US-led Nato should pause for a moment to consider Iraq? – Is mise,

DOMINIC CARROLL,

Ardfield,

Co Cork.

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