Book extract: Is Sinn Féin softening on neutrality?
While she differs on how fast and to what extent Ireland should increase its national defence, McDonald has broadly the same definition of neutrality as her opposite numbers. When the leaders of the three largest parties, plus Simon Coveney who was minister for defence and foreign affairs during the first year of the Ukraine war, were asked how they defined Irish neutrality, all four described it as a military neutrality that is dependent on Ireland not being a member of a military alliance.
One of McDonald’s goals if Sinn Féin takes power is to place Irish neutrality in the basic law of the EU in a way that goes far beyond the “specific character” reference contained in the Lisbon Treaty. Such a move would put Irish neutrality on par with the Swiss version in terms of international legal recognition of its status. It is an ambitious proposal and one that could perhaps damage Ireland’s standing in the EU.
McDonald believes it is important the Defence Forces remain capable of serving overseas in peacekeeping and humanitarian roles.
If Sinn Féin has become softer on neutrality, it is not the only one. As recently as 2017, the Green Party were some of the most vocal opponents of Ireland signing up to Pesco, with party leader Éamon Ryan arguing that Pesco would imperil our status as a “neutral, non-aligned country”. In July 2022, as part of the Coalition Government, Ryan and his colleagues voted to expand Ireland’s participation in Pesco from one project to four.
España Últimas Noticias, España Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Sinn Féin seeks another sign it is headed for power in European elections next yearBrussels votes are a distorted mirror, with anti-establishment sentiment to the fore. Can Sinn Féin wrestle it from longtime independents?
Leer más »
Over a quarter of posts for eating disorder services unfilled'What happens in the meantime is that people are admitted into a general hospital, their BMI is increased to a certain level until they’re ok to leave. Then they’re being returned to the community.'
Leer más »
Mary Hannigan: Ryan Moore, probably the best jockey in the worldJoe Canning gives his provincial final predictions, the FAI’s plans to improve chronically outdated facilities
Leer más »
Families of residents who will be 'kicked out' of Cork nursing home refuse meeting with MinisterFamilies of residents who will be 'kicked out' of a Cork nursing home that has pulled out of the Fair Deal scheme refuse meeting with Minister Mary Butler, and claim that she has only written to some of them.
Leer más »
Dublin Airport says it can't just open fields and conjure up extra parkingDAA has refuted four claims of 'gaming the system' that budget airline Ryanair has made publicly
Leer más »
Nicky English: Limerick find form in time for latest heavyweight bout with Clare‘There’s so little between the top counties in Munster that the odds on this going to extra time again would be short enough’
Leer más »