Let’s define what we mean by neutrality

ONE of the key findings of the recent European Commission survey among those who voted no to the Lisbon Treaty was a concern to safeguard Irish neutrality.

It seems a majority of people felt that the clause agreed to protect our neutrality didn’t offer any protection at all.

We need a stronger definition of neutrality inserted into the constitution and that definition should be wider than the current narrow position citing no direct military involvement. For example, it is because of this extremely narrow definition that the refuelling of military planes at Shannon can continue.

At present, we have no clear legal definition of what Irish neutrality means.

In order for neutrality not to become a key issue in any further EU treaties or referenda, we need an open national debate on our defence policy.

We also need to examine the role of the arms industry, the full cost to the Irish taxpayer of any such involvement and how we intend to copperfasten our neutrality into the constitution.

During the referendum campaign I and others pointed out that the Lisbon Treaty obliges Ireland to build up its military capacities while consolidating the European Defence Agency whose purpose inevitably is to promote the arms industry.

How much will this cost Ireland?

Do we want to become dependent on the arms industry for jobs?

Do we want to support the arms industry via our taxes?

Cllr Bronwen Maher

Green Party

Killester

Dublin 5