Neutrality how are ye!
A French Naval corvette is due in Cork Port next Friday lunchtime on a so-called courtesy visit.
The French Navy corvette Le Henaff or Lieutenant de vaisseau Le Hénaff (F-789) will dock at the North Custom House Quay in Cork City Centre (opposite Jury's Inn) at 13.00hrs on Friday 22nd May - just to prove that Ireland really is neutral.
As usual the folks at Irish Military Online forum were first with the news, eager at the prospect of a visit from their NATO buddies.
Armed with Exocet missiles, a 100mm gun turret (capable of firing its projectiles 17,000 metres or 12km against surface targets (it could hit Passage West on a good day)), 6 smaller machine guns and 2 torpedo tubes.
Perhaps President Sarkhozy is giving us a gentle reminder of France's military power - just in case we're tempted to vote NON again on the Lisbon Treaty.