Mattie McGrath: Triple Lock and Neutrality Must Be Sacrosanct
Mattie McGrath spoke on 26 Mar 2025, arguing that the triple lock and neutrality are sacrosanct and urging that the issue be put to a public vote. He criticised a "DIN teacher and our teacher" roadshow as an attempt to soften public opinion on neutrality and demanded recognition for peacekeepers and veterans.
Main position and call for a public vote
McGrath stated his position clearly - the triple lock is sacrosanct and neutrality is sacrosanct. He said the question should be taken to the people, arguing that sovereignty means allowing citizens to decide and recalling how the people voted no after the Nice referendum.
Criticism of the roadshow and claims of softening public opinion
He voiced concern about a recent roadshow organised by "DIN teacher and our teacher," saying it featured hand-picked people intended to soften the public up for a change to neutrality. McGrath rejected the claim that neutrality is an outdated concept and urged that attempts to shift opinion be resisted.
Peacekeepers, Jadovan and recognition
McGrath pressed for proper respect and recognition for peacekeepers and those who fought in the described heroic battle in Jadovan. He said the Taoiseach had promised in opposition to look after them, but they have not received recognition and many are now gone, so recognition should be delivered.
Remarks to the minister and closing appeal
He offered the minister well wishes in their position while insisting the minister and the Taoiseach should give proper respect to veterans and peacekeepers. He closed with an appeal to the audience to engage, referencing "like share and subscribe" and inviting comments and thoughts.
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let's dive into the discussions shaping the nation okay I'd like to thank the social Democrats for allowing me some time on this very important motion today I think the minister you know and I wish you well in your position you know my position on this and my position is that the triple lock is sacrosanct our neutrality is sacrosanct and I was very concerned about two years ago now when the DIN teacher and our teacher had this roadshow and you know it was all hand-picked people to try and soften the public up and softens up for a change to our neutrality he's also said that our neutrality is an outdated concept well I don't believe it is and I think it should go to the people let the people decide we tell them they're sovereign they should be sovereign here and it should has to be a vote we know how this came about after the nice referendum at the time and when the people said no you went back and softened them up with this so we must respect the people's vote then and why they vote so I also want to say it would fit you better minister and Taoiseach to give the proper respect to our peacekeepers respect to the people who fought that heroic battle in Jadovan and Taoiseach Martin has promised him in opposition that he would look after them they haven't got recognition they're almost all gone and they need that recognition and it should be done in this stall like share and subscribe and let us know your thoughts in the comments we'd love to hear from you
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