Sean O'Riordan: Small signs that Ireland's neutrality is an illusion

With subtle changes happening in the Irish defence forces, Sean O’Riordan asks if they're indications to Russia’s military that we are co-operating with our neighbours to protect Europe’s shores?

Was the Naval Service's LE Samuel Beckett taking part in a passage exercise with the British Royal Navy in May, or was it tied up at the Irish Navy’s headquarters at Haulbowline Island?

Ireland's supposed neutrality has been a well-guarded illusion since the foundation of the State, but now subtle changes are happening that are completely eroding any semblance of not taking sides.

On May 23, the Facebook site ‘British & Commonwealth Forces’ posted an article entitled ‘Working Side by Side’. It showed footage from an offshore patrol vessel of the Irish Naval Service, LE Samuel Beckett's passage exercise, or passex, with the British HMS Hurworth.