Ireland’s military neutrality is a policy, and not an orientation

Dear Editor, Martin Mansergh (The View, IC 03/12/2015) states how “our military neutrality is a policy”. As such, it primarily concerns our interests. Yet our ideals or values arise as well.

Bunreacht na hÉireann (Art. 29) mentions the “pacific (ie non-belligerent) settlement of international disputes”. Hence a constitutional endorsement of the “ideal of peace”. 

Historically, Ireland – as a nation and then as a sovereign state – traditionally avoided external wars, albeit innumerable individuals volunteered for various reasons. 

Your columnist’s reference to Wolfe Tone seems significant since “the father of Irish republicanism” had a neutralist along with a nationalist orientation. Thus in 1790, Tone penned a pamphlet urging Ireland’s avoidance of a likely war between England and Spain.

Some may wonder at Wolfe Tone’s later presence and purpose in revolutionary France. However, it was in accord with the separatist approach: “England’s difficulty is Ireland’s opportunity.”

Yours etc.,

Seán Bearnabhail,

Dublin