Lisbon treaty does not undermine neutrality

JOE NOONAN (Letters, February 18) referred to “the leak in Slovenia” which shows Ireland’s neutrality is undermined by Article 28A.7 of the Lisbon treaty. He is incorrect. The first sentence of the article does refer explicitly to the obligation of mutual defence, but it must not be read in isolation to that which immediately follows: “This shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain member states.”

Ireland’s security and defence policy, as I understand it, has a specific character — a commitment to neutrality subject only to our obligations under the UN charter.

I have not yet decided how I’ll vote in the referendum, but I object to the attempts at misrepresentation which advocates of both sides seem so intent on providing to those of us who wish to make a considered judgement.