Catherine Connolly says war language is ‘intensifying’ as EU security plan unveiled
President Catherine Connolly speaking during a visit to the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) in Edinburgh. Picture: Steve Welsh/PA Wire
President Catherine Connolly has pushed back on EU plans for a new European Security Council, saying the absence of “diplomatic measures” to stop war is a deep concern.
Speaking in Glasgow, Ms Connolly said she believed the language around war is “intensifying” and that Ireland must be a voice for peace in the world.
Asked about proposals from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the creation of a new European Security Council, Ms Connolly said she was not across the detail of the plan but was concerned about the language being used.
“I’m concerned that the language, let me say, in relation to the threats against peace on the continent of Europe are increasing,” Ms Connolly said.
“I would have concern that the language in relation to war is intensifying and the absence of diplomatic measure to stop war and to bring peace is of deep concern to me, and I would say the majority of people in Ireland.”
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The proposal, announced by Ms von der Leyen as part of her State of the Union speech in Strasbourg on Wednesday, would see EU leaders discuss security matters in a more formal manner, including with countries outside the bloc such as Canada, the UK, Norway and Ukraine.
Ms von der Leyen also proposed an EU Emergency Security Protocol, modelled on NATO’s Article 4, which would provide a mechanism for EU member states to coordinate a response to security threats below the threshold of armed aggression.
Under the proposal, if an EU member state triggered the protocol, all EU countries would meet “to coordinate a European response”, Ms von der Leyen said.
Asked if the move towards a dedicated security council was a step in the wrong direction, Ms Connolly referred to her meeting with US president Donald Trump last weekend, saying there were discussions about the importance of the UN.
She cited how the UN was “wrought out of utter horror” following the Second World War, while acknowledging it does require reform.
“I think the people of Ireland have shown their belief in the UN structures and our deep pride in our Defences Forces overseas and our peacekeeping records.
“I would think that is our role, given our history, given our constitution, to be a voice for peace in the world and to resolve disputes peacefully. War brings horror.”
Asked about her meeting with Mr Trump, Ms Connolly said they had a “very polite meeting”.
Ms Connolly said she referred to her role within the Constitution to Mr Trump, particularly speaking of Article 29, which refers to Ireland’s requirement to settle conflict peacefully.
She confirmed that Mr Trump asked about Irish unity initially during their engagement.
“He asked me specifically would it be resolved during my lifetime, and I said, ‘I hoped it would’,” President Connolly said, adding that Mr Trump made a “complimentary joke” about age.
On Gaza, Ms Connolly said there was a discussion between her and Mr Trump on genocide.
“We discussed that we can never accept genocide and that we can never accept the normalisation of war.”
Asked about her sister Margaret Connolly, who took part in protests against Mr Trump over the weekend, the President said, “everybody is entitled to their opinion”.
“I agree with the Taoiseach when he said everybody has a right to protest,” she said.
Pressed about her sister’s comments, who said the White House should be “flattened”, Ms Connolly said she would leave what she said.
“I understand her horror at what’s happening, absolutely understand her horror. I might use different words, but the message of what’s happening is important to hear.
“We have a duty to call out what’s happening, no matter where.”
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