Level-headed and unbiased we are not

IRISH neutrality was not founded out of cowardice, nor a denial of international obligation.

Our neutrality has grown from centuries of oppression and struggle for justice and freedom, a belief that the world’s and Ireland’s ills can be better solved through peaceful and diplomatic means.

This aspiration is enshrined in our Constitution (Article 29).

The word "neutrality" infers an unbiased approach to global affairs. Furthermore, neutrality confers a hugely important role upon our nation a level head in an increasingly insane world.

Unbiased and level-headed we are not. Ireland's primary industries agriculture, fisheries and tourism, the foundations of every economy are being sacrificed for the "quick buck" economies of foreign investment, particularly from the US, and are frequently involved in the production of military hardware.

Despite predominantly anti-war sentiments, the Irish Government insists on the merits of this war which will, by modern figures, result in 90% civilian casualties (10% military). There is no just cause for this war.

The arms inspectors in Iraq do not desire war and Irishman Denis Halliday, the UN Assistant Secretary General who oversaw the sanctions in Iraq in the late '90s and who resigned his post, insists that the only aggressors in this war are the US and Britain.

The world screams for peace, but, Bertie, Bush and Blair know best.

Jarlath McGrath,

Belvedere Lodge,

Cork.