Kathleen Funchion: Calls for Referendum to Protect Ireland's Neutrality
Kathleen Funchion spoke in the European Parliament about Ireland's neutrality and warned against any backsliding. She opposed moves to end the triple lock and said the government should put any removal of that protection to a referendum.
Main argument
Funchion argued that Ireland's neutrality is a national strength that has allowed an independent foreign policy and has been supported by the Irish people. She said it would be shameful for the Irish government to use a real emergency as a pretext to remove protections for neutrality.
Triple lock and referendum
She described the triple lock as a core component of Ireland's independent foreign policy, noting it is enshrined in national declarations made to the Irish people in advance of a previous EU referendum. Funchion insisted that if the government seeks to remove this protection, it should put the issue to the people in a referendum.
Neutrality and peacekeeping history
Funchion highlighted Ireland's proud history of UN-mandated peacekeeping missions, a tradition that has continued for decades and underpins the country's stance on neutrality. She framed neutrality as both a moral and practical asset on the international stage.
Closing remarks and engagement
Funchion concluded with the phrase "Cair Magad" and encouraged viewers to like, share and subscribe, inviting comments and feedback on the debate over neutrality and the triple lock.
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Stay in the loop with the biggest moments from the European Parliament. As a member from a country that cherishes our neutrality and recognizes the benefits it has brought to the world, I want to express my opposition to any backsliding when it comes to the neutrality of Ireland. Our country has a proud history of UN-mandated peacekeeping missions, a tradition that has gone on for decades. Our neutrality has enabled us to maintain an independent foreign policy and this is a strength that is valued and supported by the Irish people. It is therefore shameful that our Irish government would try to use this real emergency to end the triple lock policy which is in place to protect our neutrality. The triple lock is a core component of Ireland's independent foreign policy and is enshrined in national declarations to the Irish people by governments in advance of a previous EU referendum. So if the Irish government wants to remove this protection, it should put it to the people and have a referendum on it. Cair Magad. Like, share and subscribe and let us know your thoughts in the comments. We'd love to hear from you.
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