Adams is wrong — our neutrality is guaranteed by a triple-lock system

SINN Féin claims the EU Reform Treaty will lead to a greater militarisation of Europe.

However, Gerry Adams fails to mention that Ireland cannot join a common European defence pact unless we have a specific referendum on this issue. This position is enshrined in the constitution.

The EU treaty does not diminish Ireland’s neutrality one iota. Irish troops cannot serve on peacekeeping missions abroad unless it is under a specific UN resolution and it is approved by the Government and the Dáil. Our neutrality is protected by this triple-lock arrangement. I would like to pay tribute to the all the Irish troops who have served on 58 different UN peacekeeping missions around the world in the past 50 years.

We can celebrate this anniversary now with a great sense of national pride. Mr Adams should also remember the EU can only act in foreign policy areas when it is with the full and unanimous agreement of all 27 member states of the EU.

Seán Ó Neachtain MEP

An Spidéal

Co Galway