Opinion: "Ireland’s neutrality is widely regarded as absurd and complacent - It is imperative that we declare unequivocally our support for united EU action to defend European democracy against Russia", writes Stephen Collins at @irishtimes.com www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025... - ThreadSky

christianthiels.bsky.social • 1 day ago

Opinion: "Ireland’s neutrality is widely regarded as absurd and complacent - It is imperative that we declare unequivocally our support for united EU action to defend European democracy against Russia", writes Stephen Collins at @irishtimes.com
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/21/irelands-neutrality-is-widely-regarded-as-absurd-and-complacent/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=HP-SubDesc

Comments

chelittle.bsky.social•1 day ago

Agree be as bold as the Irish fishermen. Remember their courage

julywolfe.bsky.social•1 day ago

Ireland is understandably tired. But if they're going to remain Irish, they'd better be understandably ready.

midwesternmama.bsky.social•1 day ago

YES THIS!!!

chronosschiron.bsky.social•1 day ago

THEY STILL PRO HAMAS?

factforce.bsky.social•1 day ago

Long overdue, for sure.

vegasdave77.bsky.social•1 day ago

To busy drinking themselves to death as they wait for their new neighbors to take their country over. May already be to late.

sperplexitas.bsky.social•9 hours ago

IE-AT: 1st. You outsource your defence. 2nd. You don't pay them, because they need to defend themselves in any case. 3rd. You despise them because they don't know how to manage their public finances...and repeat...However, there is a problem when your neighbours start to disarm to save in defence.

lrg721.bsky.social•1 day ago

What would be Putin's position if Austria ended 70 years of neutrality to become a NATO member state. Would he claim violation of a (Soviet era) Austrian State Treaty and overlook more recent assurances from Moscow with respect to future security of Ukraine.

1 of 2

lrg721.bsky.social•1 day ago

2 of 2

The original USSR response to NATO was to create a Warsaw Pact. That proved no guarantee of security for Hungary or Czechoslovakia.

Does Trump criticize Ireland or Austria for living under US/NATO protection in exchange for remaining neutral (and doing business with Russia).

bentonra.bsky.social•1 day ago

Let’s not mix issues. While Ireland is a military neutral as regards formal alliances, it has *never* been neutral as regards Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion. A firm supporter of tough sanctions, wide open doors for refugees and provided non lethal military aid.

lrg721.bsky.social•1 day ago

You are right. We should note Irish troops recent service with UNIFIL. I was not entirely fair to link Ireland in principle with Austrian neutrality. Someone else referenced Ireland had a justified struggle for independence from the UK. I stand over my observation however Austria gets off lightly.

kitspecial.bsky.social•14 hours ago

Austia, Switzerland, there are lots of them. But those are ex empires. They don't care and will not be persuaded. Ireland has such a similar history to Ukraine, I wonder if it's compelling enough for Ireland to be proactive.

dianapowers.bsky.social•1 day ago

As a citizen of both the US and the EU, I support the stance of this article for European unity faced with Russian aggression. Putin wants to divide and conquer Europe and NATO. It is only through unity that we have strength. I deeply oppose Trump's about-face to ally himself with Putin. Solidarity!

lordflymo.bsky.social•1 day ago

Fully agree with this article. Ireland hides behind 'neutrality' to avoid properly spending on defence, whilst relying on Britain and NATO to defend it. Ireland's location on the edge of Europe makes it vulnerable to maritime sabotage.

andrewharbison1.bsky.social•1 day ago

Ireland would reply that it’s not its business to defend itself against other people’s enemies.

On a personal level I think Ireland needs to spend a lot more simply because the international situation is so chaotic and the chance of opportunistic aggression against it is much greater.

andeu.bsky.social•1 day ago

Austria does the same, being surrounded by NATO countries and Switzerland.
Taking neutrality serious would mean being able to defend oneself without aid and allies (as Finland and Sweden did in the Cold war).

lordflymo.bsky.social•1 day ago

Absolutely, Finland and Sweden showed how to do it correctly. Switzerland has enough guns spread around to kill any invaders as part of guerilla resistance.

nooboftheyear.bsky.social•1 day ago

Ireland supports Russia if the Irish MEP Clare Daley is any measure of their leaning.

thesecretdiplomat.bsky.social•13 hours ago

That's complete nonsense, Ireland continues to provide material and financial aid to Ukraine. Daly isn't an MEP - she was booted out for her bizarre pro-Russia stance along with the other idiot Wallace.

nooboftheyear.bsky.social•1 hour ago

Many thanks for letting me know. I spent about 6 months in 2022 arguing with her and her team on YouTube.

nicolekidmansnose.bsky.social•13 hours ago

Ireland is one of the most Putinist countries in Western Europe sadly.

nooboftheyear.bsky.social•1 hour ago

Based on the replies that I've been getting from the Irish people I'm going to have to disagree with you on that.

I was arguing with her and her team 2022-23. I've been informed that they voted her out anyway 😎

So Daley wasn't a measure of Irish sentiment.

andrewkerr9000.bsky.social•18 hours ago

Mick Wallace and Clare Daly are no longer MEPs.

The Irish voted them out.

andrewkerr9000.bsky.social•14 hours ago

Also worth noting that Ireland has provided mine-clearing training to Ukrainians.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/irish-defence-forces-providing-vital-equipment-and-training-to-help-ukrainian-troops-clear-mines/a656377779.html

nooboftheyear.bsky.social•1 hour ago

Many thanks. I am SO glad to read that the rest of the Irish have sense of right and wrong.

mahoganygaspipes.bsky.social•13 hours ago

Ex-mep , you twat

nooboftheyear.bsky.social•1 hour ago

Talk to me before the whiskey, not after. She was an mep when I was arguing with her and I can see from the other replied that she got the boot; so her opinions don't represent you.

ianford.bsky.social•1 day ago

Every country is living the shadow of their own WW2 myths. Ours was that neutrality worked to keep us safe. In fact, it was a pragmatic policy designed to prevent the wounds of the Civil War of the 1920s being reopened by siding with the UK.

ianford.bsky.social•1 day ago

Over time, it's become a sacred cow that cannot be challenged. Geography has been kind to us so far - we were sandwiched in NATO between UK/US and we didn't have to think about it.

ianford.bsky.social•1 day ago

But those days are over. We need to reassess the situation - fast. And grow up.

andrewkerr9000.bsky.social•18 hours ago

Interesting that this article doesn't even mention NATO.

As far as I'm aware, Irish debates on this topic have mostly been framed around joining NATO.

Ireland has never had fast jets, and has an agreement to allow RAF into Irish airspace under some circumstances.

https://news.sky.com/story/irish-ministers-under-pressure-to-clarify-secret-deal-for-raf-to-defend-irelands-airspace-in-an-emergency-12879084

kitspecial.bsky.social•14 hours ago

Ireland's history is so similar to Ukraines it's mind boggling to me that they decide to stay neutral in this obvious conflict between an empire and ex colony. Like how do you justify that?

andeu.bsky.social•1 day ago

Compare with Austria who too are neutral and have long neglected their defense spending for a long time (and use the AUG, to mention a positive😉).
While often being seen close to Hungary and somewhat pro-Russian, they at least provided humaniarian aid. -> not praiseworthy but at least noticeable.

jussijk.bsky.social•1 day ago

Austria has kept conscription, so they have enough soldiers and a good pool to draw reserves from, and they are now modernizing their equipment.

The question of neutrality on the other hand is tragicomical at this point. I'm sure they will refuse to abandon it even if an EU country is attacked.

andeu.bsky.social•1 day ago

Austria kept conscription since ~40% of draftees chose the "civilian service" alternative and serve as cheap labour ( in hosptitals, care homes, ...) but you're right about the result and recent increase in budget.

Neutrality is debated every now and then but has a lot of sentimetal value.

andeu.bsky.social•1 day ago

I'm cautiosly optimistic of giving up the neutrality fig leave some time in the future.
Polling shows people are against Nato accession but pro common EU defense cooperation and with the FPÖ now failing to form a governmentt, steps in this direction (i.e. joining Sky Shield) will hopefully continue.

warspitefella.bsky.social•1 day ago

We would love to have the Irish.

Equally sure you would still be their.

Despite the mask of neutrality over 80k brave Irish joined the British army in WW2 and fought for democracy and freedom across europe

Great example was Spitfire pilot Brendan Paddy Finucane with 28 kills, 27 of these 109/190s

antonioargokz.bsky.social•17 hours ago

Correct. None of your friends can understand it.

It's like you having a bad higiene habit everyone around is moderatly affected by.

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