Fine Gael and Neutrality

by euro watch Fri May 30, 2003 13:11

its the usual half baked nonsense such as neutrality is 'old fashioned' and the classic 'but sure we are not really neutrally nowadays..... so we might as well ....

the next line will probally be something like so we might as well defend weak Europe from those hordes pesky Africans and Asians ready to attack the borders of fortress europe....

by Alex Fri May 30, 2003 14:03

Ireland Should be part of EU Security and Defence Architecture - Mitchell

"It is now time for Ireland to take a full and active role in developing a common EU security and defence architecture, according to Fine Gael Leader, Enda Kenny TD).

"It is time to realise and accept that there is nothing inherently moral in adopting a neutral stance on every issue, regardless of the circumstances of each situation. With the publication of the draft EU Constitution Europe is about to take an historic step towards the creation of mutual defence arrangement. Fine Gael wants Ireland to use its influence to shape these arrangements now, rather than have a decision imposed on us by default."

He was speaking today (Thursday) at the launch of Fine Gael's updated policy document Beyond Neutrality. The report examines Ireland's traditional neutrality policy and advocates a future role at the heart of an EU common defence architecture.

Commenting on the policy, Gay Mitchell TD, Fine Gael spokesperson on Foreign Affairs said:

"The first role of the State is to provide for the defence and security of its people. The time is now right for Ireland to examine how it discharges this key function at a time of unprecedented change at both global and European level. For too long the debate on neutrality has focused on soft options that ignore the reality of the diverse and fluctuating world we now live in. This document is an honest attempt to face up to our responsibilities as well as our security and defence needs.

"There is now a clear momentum in the European Union to bring about a European defence entity. This could see the EU take over responsibility for the Western European Union in the future. Ireland will have to decide if it will remain militarily unaligned, if it will join an EU common defence arrangement or join NATO. Fine Gael believes that we should not only be part of the EU's security and defence architecture but that we should be one of the architects.

"In the interests of clarity Fine Gael advocates an EU defence entity that is based on the following five principals:

1. Adherence to the fundamental principles of the UN
2. A commitment to the vigorous pursuit of the goal of universal nuclear and biological disarmament and to a solemn undertaking by the EU defence entity not to use either type of weapon
3. A commitment to mutual defence and support - but with specific opt-in provisions for individual States
4. A commitment to the provision of peacekeeping and peace-making operations and to the 'Petersburg Tasks' (humanitarian aid, search and rescue etc)
5. Respect for the right of other Member States to be involved in other military alliances

"If we do not want to contribute to the debate on common EU security and defence then we can't complain when a policy is unveiled that addresses the concerns and aspirations of other states, but not our own.

"The time has come to move beyond platitudes and on to the consideration of principled policy alternatives. This report today from Fine Gael is a definitive input to that policy mix. We welcome any other serious and informed contribution to the debate."

by Ivan Caramba - IBC Fri May 30, 2003 14:33

FF say that FG will blow their sweet arangement with Bush and Blair. 'We support your war, you pretend we don't!'

by Tembra Fri May 30, 2003 16:23

Its heartening to see dissident FG members like Jum take up these issues.

by LH Sun Jun 01, 2003 20:12

how can the so called LAbour Party claim to be left wing on one hand and then on the other want to go into coalition with FG?
Maybe Limerick Lad Magneto when he is back from his break in Kilkee could comment on this... you careerist scum