A chara, – Conor Hogarty worries about “potential enemies and states with nefarious intent toward Ireland” (Letters, November 15th). Neutrality, he says, “offers little by way of protection in the modern world”. Perhaps so, if neutrality is conceived of as a defensive “iron dome” rather than as a progressive foreign policy stance.
This is the real foreign policy choice for voters in this election: is meaningful neutrality to be junked in favour of massively increased military spending and deeper integration into EU military structures and Nato, entailing full alignment with their foreign policies and a willingness to join their battles (win some, lose some)? Or is neutrality to be resuscitated by withdrawing from all military alliances in favour of non-alignment and the promotion of peaceful resolution of conflicts and the lessening of geopolitical tensions?
What about the cables and energy interconnections, I hear some exclaim. Given the very challenging logistics, it’s obvious that their protection cannot realistically depend on a massively increased military presence in the oceans. So the goal must be international co-operation and peace. A genuinely neutral Ireland could play an important role in promoting this. Or will the next government – like the last – follow the lead of those sleepwalking to war? – Is mise,
DOMINIC CARROLL,
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Ardfield,
Co Cork.
Sir, – Surely we need to be cognisant of the fact that Ireland has an enormous area of territorial waters through which flow many underwater cables, the life-blood of the economies of North America and Europe, including Ireland, with its very high dependence on US multinationals. What better target?
The prime responsibility of any government is the defence of its people and economic wellbeing. Ireland relies on the kindness of others, notably the UK, to protect it. No doubt the US, Canada and France are assisting the Royal Navy to keep a watchful eye on the North Atlantic, but is it really sensible that Ireland, which insists on neutrality and likes to boast of its new-found wealth, neither has any military capability of its own and sits serenely unconcerned awaiting the opening of the duck shooting season? Neutrality only works if others respect it. Can we really believe Russia will do so? Clearly the Finns and the Swedes do not think so. Why should Ireland be any different? – Yours, etc,
JOHN TURNER,
Dublin 18.