Taoiseach expects constitutional assembly on Irish neutrality

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he hopes a constitutional assembly on Irish neutrality will be established during the Coalition’s lifetime.

“I will discuss it with my partners. Certainly we need to reflect on that post the Ukrainian war,” he said during an official visit to Irish troops serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil).

“We need to identify the strength and weakness in the contribution that Ireland can make,” said Mr Martin.

During his visit, Mr Martin described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “unjust, illegal and immoral” and said it was a reminder that peace could never be taken for granted.

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“The brutality of Russia’s actions is an unwelcome reminder of the reality of today’s world,” he told Irish troops at UNP 2-45, the main base camp for Irish peacekeepers serving with Unifil.

“Ireland stands with Ukraine,” said Mr Martin. “Ireland will continue to provide strong political support to Ukraine and practise assistance to Ukrainian people seeking protection in Ireland.”

Mr Martin referenced John Hume who said: “The basis of peace and stability, in any society, has to be the fullest respect for the human rights of all its people.”