Letters to the Editor: Ireland must retain the triple lock

'Our Defence Forces may be sent to fight in other countries’ conflicts because some of our political leaders want to be part of the EU military club'

President Michael D Higgins. A reader states: 'I support the retention of the triple lock for UN peacekeeping duties. A role for which our Defence Forces is respected by the UN for more than 70 years of service.' Picture: Niall Carson/PA

The triple lock mechanism became part of the Defence Act after the first Nice (EU) referendum in 2001 was rejected by voters because of their concerns the Defence Forces might be expected to join an EU military alliance. It was the first EEC/EU referendum rejected by Ireland. It was a shock to the government at the time.

The triple lock was then brought in to assure the public our Defence Forces would continue to be sent for UN peacekeeping duties only. A second Nice referendum was passed by voters in 2002 by a 62% majority. The triple lock for our Defence Forces to be on UN duties involves a government decision, a Dáil vote (which, hopefully, represents the wishes of the people), and UN Security Council approval.