Sean O'Riordan: Ireland has never really been neutral and remains the weakest link

Ukrainian servicemen in a trench on the front line in eastern Ukraine, on Thursday. Picture: AP/Vadim Ghirda

Ireland has never really been neutral, even as far back as World War Two, and we've remained firmly sided with the British and Americans ever since.

To the great powers, this country's positioning has always been strategically important and remains so today. The 'Western Allies' know Ireland is their weakest link and the Russians are only too aware of it also.