Last week, Andy Storeyand Tom Clonandebated the question Would the Lisbon Treaty entangle Ireland in a military alliance? Here is an edited selection of your comments
YES 70%
NO 30%
No, of course it won't. The message that comes across clearly from Mr Storey is that he doesn't trust the Irish Government, he doesn't trust any Irish government. Mr Storey's complaint is that the Lisbon Treaty doesn't tie the hands of all future Irish governments. That is not what European treaties are for; that is not democracy.
Norman Stewart Ireland
Defence agreements amongst European powers aren't really comparable to the crochet knit entanglements of the early 20th century. There are many arguments for voting Yes or No to the Treaty of Lisbon, but dusting off the Irish defence / neutrality neurosis shibboleth for a romp around the housing estate is not really one which stands up to scrutiny.
Iosaf Mac Diarmada Spain
As an Irishman of the diaspora (all four of my grandparents were of Irish descent) I am vitally interested in the present and, especially, the future of my home land. The Lisbon Treaty frightens me to death! The decision on ratifying the Lisbon Treaty is [ about] transferring the current powers of the nation state of Ireland to the federal state in Brussels. To do so will be to utterly discard on the rubbish heap of history all the sacrifices of our ancestors, both the suffering against British oppression and the fighting for freedom in which so many lives were lost. We are Ireland! We are not Europeans - we never have been.
Robert O'Coillean United States
Neutrality would not have protected the freedom and safety of the Irish people if the Nazis had conquered Britain, or if the Soviet Union had attacked Western Europe. Neutrality is a defensive policy; it is not a defence policy.
Dan Ireland
Ireland is already entangled in a military alliance.
John O'Driscoll Ireland
In time of war Ireland has always hypocritically pretended to sit on the fence and kicked the ball for the favoured side when nobody was looking. Ireland's military alliance with the USA means that Shannon Airport and other ports in the so-called "neutral" State are in effect staging points for soldiers, mercenaries, weapons, supplies en route or returning from a colossal war crime. As Ireland is therefore not neutral . . . the transfer of military power and sovereignty from member states to the EU superstate will lead to Ireland's entanglement in further military alliances.
Kynos Ireland
Let's face it folks, we can't have it both ways. On one hand we expect to be a full fledged member of the EU which entails all rights and responsibilities of said membership. We want the best of both worlds: the right to opt out selectively of the responsibilities of the EU while wanting the full benefits of membership.
Dan Murphy United States
Of course it will, how can it not? It's like asking if you'll get wet if you take a shower!
Paul Ireland
Nato powers, including the US, considers the use of cluster bombs essential. If Irish troops serve with Nato forces they will be using or be supported by cluster bombs. Even a peacemaking initiative by the Irish Government can be circumvented by our military entanglements with the EU.
Sarah Ireland