Former president Michael D Higgins has criticised the European Union, accusing the bloc of lacking any credibility on human rights and international law.
Speaking at a forum on neutrality in Dublin, Mr Higgins referenced the upcoming Irish Presidency of the EU Council.
“I wish the Irish Presidency well, and I think that it will be at its best when it seeks to restore a moderate credibility of some small stock to the European Union. The European Union has no credibility in relation to rights, human rights, the most basic norms of international law.”
Mr Higgins also spoke about intolerance.
“The waves of hate that are being produced by other people outside of this jurisdiction altogether are simply so appalling and such a rejection of everything we stand for.”
He was one of several speakers at a two-day event – the People’s Forum on Peace and Neutrality.
Several speakers spoke out against the Government’s proposal to remove the triple lock which governs the sending of Irish troops abroad.