Letters to the Editor: Don’t risk losing our neutrality

One reader writes in to say that we run the risk of losing our legacy of neutrality if we start to align ourselves with belligerent states and, once lost, we will not regain it

One readers says that 'it seems the Defence Forces are used to satisfy political objectives — however, when it comes to matters of salaries, allowances, and general working conditions, we see little interest or concern from politicians and civil servants'.

I remember like yesterday government promises that our neutrality would not be compromised and the triple lock would remain sacrosanct if we just voted for the Lisbon Treaty again, having rejected it the first time over such concerns. The treaty was passed and already our triple lock is being dismantled by the very same political parties.

I’m sorry but if they lied in 2009, what makes anyone think their assurances that dismantling the triple lock now will not mean Ireland getting dragged into questionable wars of aggression in future are worth anything? Some people seem to think it’s a choice between neutrality and being able to defend ourselves.