A passionate crowd filled Scioból an Phobail in Anagaire last night, drawn by a shared concern for one of Ireland’s most defining principles: neutrality.
From students to pensioners, a large number of locals turned out to hear former MEPs and TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace speak on the threats facing Ireland’s neutrality, what can be done to safeguard it and the role the country can play on the global stage.
The evening was organised and moderated by independent councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig, who last year brought a motion to Donegal County Council calling to safeguard the Triple Lock component of Irish neutrality.
Both Daly and Wallace are strong advocates for Irish neutrality and have consistently spoken out against EU militarisation and NATO expansion. During their time in Leinster House, the pair referenced neutrality more than any other deputies in the history of the Dáil.
“Essentially this is a discussion on how we keep ourselves safe and how we help to make the world safer,” Ms Daly told those gathered.
“Our discussion is taking place against the backdrop of environmental catastrophe, where literally the future of the planet is at stake, and to resolve that, never in human history has cooperation been more necessary.
“And yet instead of that we have a scenario where societies are moving in the opposite direction, where we see militarisation increasing on a scale, probably never seen before. We’ve seen the normalisation of war in all discourse.”
Ireland’s history
Ms Daly spoke passionately about Ireland’s history and the potential role the country can play on the world stage.
“We were the first people in the United Nations who moved what became the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty – little Ireland did what the big states couldn’t do.
“So neutrality isn’t stepping back… it’s actively using diplomacy and international law to engage in a productive way on the world stage.”
She challenged prevailing narratives about cyber hacks, attacks on undersea cables and drone threats, which she claims are being promoted by the government and national media to soften public opinion and undermine Ireland’s neutrality.
“We in Ireland are uniquely placed because of our history and being subjected to colonialism ourselves but being very much in the global north. We more than anyone can play a role for defending international law and human rights… Going down the road of further military integration into wars that don’t involve us will only result in more Irish men and women getting killed and we certainly don’t want that to happen.”
Mick Wallace spoke in depth about the importance of protecting the Triple Lock mechanism, which requires a UN mandate, government and Dáil approval for the deployment of Irish troops abroad.
He described it as one of the most vital ways to safeguard Ireland’s neutrality.
Mr Wallace warned that the government’s attempts to remove the Triple Lock would align Ireland with NATO and other imperialist powers, undermining our neutrality.
“If we want to be safe and secure, a great way of doing it is don’t threaten others, don’t get involved in military missions from any side and develop good relations with everyone.
“It makes sense, the alternative doesn’t make sense.”
Throughout the night, the speakers explored a range of topics, including the US military use of Shannon Airport, the illegal invasion of Iran, the blockade of Cuba, the invasion of Venezuela and the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
After addressing the crowd, they engaged in a constructive discussion where attendees asked questions and exchanged ideas.
People from all walks of life had gathered, driven not only by their passion but out of frustration at the dissonance between the overwhelming public support toward our neutrality and government attempts to drum up support for militarisation.
As the meeting concluded the emphasis was on the power of grassroots activism and how public meetings taking place in communities across Ireland is one of the most important catalysts for protecting our neutrality.