Sinn Féin seeks to enshrine neutrality in the constitution
Sinn Féin TD’s prepared to table a bill seeking a referendum that, if passed, would see Ireland’s policy of neutrality enshrined in the constitution.
Sinn Féin brought forward a bill calling for a constitutional referendum on Neutrality on Tuesday Night during Private Member’s Business in the Dáil.
Speaking in advance of the debate Teachta Aengus Ó Snodaigh said: “As several EU leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel, have openly called for the creation of an EU army, it is more important than ever that we take steps to protect our neutrality.
“With proposals to create a fund of €13 billion for military spending under the next EU budget, in the face of growing pressure from Trump and others, it is clear that the growing militarisation of the EU is accelerating at a rapid pace.
“Unfortunately, the European Militarisation agenda has been supported by successive Irish governments and it is clear that the main parties and the Independent Alliance cannot be trusted to protect the interests of the Irish people on this issue.
“All research shows that the majority of Irish people wish to have the principle of Irish neutrality protected in the constitution and they should have their say on this fundamental issue.
“We are calling on all parties in the Dáil to facilitate the ultimate expression of the wishes of the Irish people on the issue of neutrality by having a referendum and by allowing this bill proceed through the Oireachtas.”
Speaking before the debate, Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has said: "A referendum should be called to prevent Ireland being ‘sleepwalked into a European Army".
Urging support for the bill on Tuesday, Martina Anderson said: “Several European leaders have openly called for the establishment of an EU army in the future.
“Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour cannot be trusted to protect our neutrality – they blindly follow the path of EU militarisation and have voted against a referendum on this issue in the past.
“78% of Irish people, in a survey commissioned by Red C, agreed that 'Ireland should have a policy of neutrality'.
“It is high time for the Irish people to have their say on this issue before we are sleepwalked into a European Army in the future."
