Numerous government politicians have called for Ireland to ditch its historic policy of neutrality, with one going so far as to say “neutrality is outdated.”
The comments come amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, with both Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Defence Minister Simon Coveney saying that Ireland “is not neutral” on the issue.
Additionally, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that Irish neutrality is a policy which can change “at any time.”
Numerous members of the governing parties in the Oireachtas have either called Irish neutrality into question, or outright urged leaders to scrap it altogether.
Fianna Fáil TD James Lawless said this week that Irish neutrality is “outdated” and should be done away with.
“I will speak to the issue of Irish sovereignty…” said Lawless.
“Our concept of neutrality is outdated. We have a sacred cow and it is a traditional idea that we would shy away from any conflict or confrontation. I appreciate that provides us with something of a position as an honest broker but it is also outdated in a world where warfare does not always come with tanks crossing our borders.
“Warfare comes with marine presence in our exclusive economic zone [or] a cyberattack on our national health system.”
James Lawless, FF, echoing Micheál Martin's previous comments that our sovereignty is an outdated concept, now labels our long established neutrality in the same way, calling it a "sacred cow". pic.twitter.com/ftgTEuzZ3E
— JRD (@JRD0000) March 2, 2022
In addition, Senator Mary Seery Kearney said that on the issue of Ukraine, “any symptom of indifference is a sign of complicity.”
“There is no such thing as neutrality in the face of atrocity. We are not neutral on Ukraine. I am not neutral on Ukraine…I do not want the ambassador to be expelled, but I want him to know that we are not neutral on human suffering. We are not neutral on Russia’s atrocities. I am calling for a debate on our neutrality. Standing together in the EU may bring the support Ukraine needs.”
Mary Seery Kearney, FG, calls for a debate on Ireland's neutrality. I don't recall our politicians getting all emotional and calling for us to go to war against America when they invaded Iraq causing 100s of 1000s of deaths based on invented justifications. pic.twitter.com/ZQfNCYCz4j
— JRD (@JRD0000) March 2, 2022
“To a large extent, we have enjoyed the luxury of being bystanders as regards security and defence. This approach is no longer a credible option…As a country we must now be prepared to shoulder a fair share of the burden of European defence and security.”
Charlie Flanagan calling for Ireland to take a more active military role internationally. pic.twitter.com/YDrbgnqBKt
— JRD (@JRD0000) March 2, 2022
According to recent polling, 76% of Irish voters want Irish neutrality to be maintained.
Poll: Amárach Research
Q. Are you in favour of Ireland holding onto its status as a neutral country?
Yes: 76%
No: 15%
Unsure: 9%February 2022
S: 1,000.— Ireland Votes | #Vote2024 (@Ireland_Votes) March 1, 2022