Nice Referendum Yes vote will guarantee neutrality, says Taoiseach

VOTING Yes to the EU Nice Treaty will also give a cast-iron legal status to Irish neutrality, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said last night.

Mr Ahern said a Yes vote on October 19 would mean any future government would have to get voters’ permission to change the long-standing policy of military neutrality.

As things stand, Ireland’s neutrality has no legal or constitutional basis.