Forum on Europe seeks EU statement on neutrality

The chairman of the National Forum on Europe has called on the Government to guarantee that the Nice Treaty poses no threat to Irish military neutrality.

Speaking at the publication of the forum’s second report, Senator Maurice Hayes said the Government must secure a plainly worded statement from the EU that Nice will not affect Irish neutrality.

The Government is planning to re-run the Nice Treaty referendum later this year, despite the fact that it was rejected by 54% of voters last June. Neutrality was seen as one of the main issues leading to the ‘no’ vote.