First time an Irish head of Government has attended prestigious event in 60-year history
Louise Richardson
Prof Louise Richardson, political scientist and former vice-chancellor at the University of Oxford
The Waterford-born academic and foreign policy expert was a low-profile figure until she became the focus of sharp criticism for chairing the Government’s forum on security
That Britain wants to acknowledge the impact the Irish have on its society should be a very basic source of pride
Under Constitution, Irish citizens are forbidden from accepting noble titles without permission of Government
If Government gave her a gig to achieve the abandonment of neutrality, they should get their money back
Forums find ‘prevailing view’ that triple lock on Defence Forces should change while popular support persists for Irish neutrality
Several times the President has shown he cares little about the limitations of his office
President’s foray into politics on the issue of Ireland’s neutrality and security comes as he considers his legacy with the final stretch of his time in Áras an Uachtaráin in sight
Higgins ‘let his ideology get in the way of his judgment’, says defence analyst Declan Power
Pro-neutrality activists describe discussions as ‘stacked’ with speakers in favour of ‘closer alignment with Nato’
Hecklers removed by gardaí after Tánaiste and forum chair Louise Richardson interrupted
President’s comments appeal to a certain atavistic Irish nationalism that is out of kilter with modern reality
Historian and Irish Times columnist Prof Diarmaid Ferriter declined invitation to take part as he believed the format would not provide a sufficiently wide consultation
RIA president commends scholarly achievements, international distinction, contributions to Irish society
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