Sir, – We really are an unusual set of people in this country. During the tense Brexit negotiations our Government ministers travelled all over Europe seeking support for our exposed economic situation. We got that support.
Your recent opinion poll shows that we are ourselves not prepared to lend support in the defence of a fellow EU state ("Overwhelming support for retention of Ireland's military neutrality", News, April 15th). Let them sink or let them swim, it's none of our business.
This attitude, however, will not get us very far with our fellow EU states. Mutual defence is now acknowledged as a core need and, whether the people like it or not, we shall have to contribute.
We will end up being universally hated if we continue as we are. – Yours, etc,
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ANTHONY HANRAHAN,
Renvyle,
Co Galway.
Sir, – Given the findings of The IrishTimes/Ipsos poll on neutrality, might I suggest that the headline “Neutrality a core element of our national identity” (April 15th) is inaccurate? Substitute the word “infantilism” for “neutrality” in the headline and it’s closer to the mark. – Yours, etc,
KARL MARTIN,
Bayside,
Dublin 13.
Sir, –What does Irish military neutrality mean when our sovereign airspace is defended by our nuclear-armed neighbour? – Yours, etc,
Dr JOHN DOHERTY,
Gaoth Dobhair,
Co Dhún na nGall.
Sir, – As a neutral country, could we not do something concrete and establish an institute for the non-violent resolution of conflict, and thereby act as a venue for peace talks? As a neutral country, we have a responsibility to act positively for peace. – Yours, etc,
ELIZABETH CULLEN,
Kilcullen,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – Are we prepared and willing to invest in our defence, or will we simply continue to allow others provide for our protection? As an independent nation, it’s time we provided adequately for the defence of the State and give the Defence Forces the required resources to do so.
If we are truly neutral, we should be prepared to defend that neutrality. – Yours, etc,
CONOR HOGARTY,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Your poll on Irish neutrality was deeply disappointing and made for very distressing reading.
Despite the war in Ukraine, an illegal invasion of a peaceful, democratic, neutral European country, the majority of Irish people are against providing military assistance to Ukraine.
Despite Brussels taking our side in the Brexit negotiations, the majority of Irish people have no interest in taking Europe’s side.
Despite our close relationship to America, the many thousands of our emigrants it has taken in, and the pride of current and past US presidents in their Irish ancestry, the majority of Irish people will not stand with America in defending freedom and democracy.
What message does it send to our American and European friends that we want all the benefits of being in the West, but are unwilling to do our bit in defending the West? Do we even want to call America and Europe our friends anymore? – Yours, etc,
JASON FITZHARRIS,
Swords,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – While we are not morally neutral in the face of unjust aggression, this poll confirms that the vast majority of Irish people continue to believe that being part of military alliances is repugnant to traditional Irish values. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN BUTLER,
Drumcondra,
Dublin 9.
Sir, – Even if, for now, some politicians concede that neutrality cannot be easily abandoned, no doubt they will seek to further erode its meaning through deeper integration into military alliances and increased spending on “defence”.
By what mandate? – Yours, etc,
DOMINIC CARROLL,
Ardfield,
Co Cork.