Debate on neutrality

Madam, - A principled stand by a political party on an issue as important as neutrality is to be welcomed

Madam, - A principled stand by a political party on an issue as important as neutrality is to be welcomed. The Fine Gael document "Beyond Neutrality" deserves mature debate.

I am reminded of the words of John F. Kennedy when he spoke in Ireland 40 years ago this week. Referring to Ireland's role on the world stage and our relations with our European neighbours, he said: "Ireland is not neutral between freedom and tyranny and never will be." Surely a good starting point for such a debate. - Yours, etc.,

PADDY McCARTAN, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.