Ireland’s decision to loosen the triple lock by a Fianna Fáil-led administration, which included current Taoiseach Micheál Martin is “ironic”
Tánaiste Simon Harris secured the approval of the government to reform the Triple Lock mechanism, a proposal that will change the arrangements in which members of the Defence Forces may be deployed for service outside of the state.
Debate has grown over the removal of Ireland’s Triple Lock mechanism for defence deployments. Ironic in that Micheál Martin is one of the signatories, given his own party brought in the triple lock initially – as highlighted by Dr Patrick Doyle, a lecturer in Irish Politics and Community Development at the University of Limerick.
Dr Doyle was one of the signatories of the letter signed by over 400 academics protesting against the Cabinet’s decision to amend the Triple Lock as Reported by RTE.
“While I understand that the policy of neutrality as followed by the Irish state is one that has been historically complex and contingent, it nevertheless has acquired a practical application that has amplified the role of Ireland within international diplomacy.
“The decision to loosen the triple lock by Fianna Fáil-led administration, which included Micheál Martin as a Minister, is ironic.
“It was a Fianna Fáil government that brought in the triple lock to allay the concerns of a public that had rejected the Nice Treaty on the grounds it would dilute Irish neutrality,” stated Dr Doyle.
Previously, the number of Defence Force members that could be deployed was 12, however, with an amended proposal this will increase to 50.
Under the neutrality form submission “to erode Irish Neutrality without holding a citizens assembly would be a breach of faith with the Irish public.”
Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has called for a referendum on Irish Neutrality after the Cabinet’s decision to remove the triple lock.
The controversy surrounding the reform of Ireland’s Triple Lock mechanism
Pearse Doherty said Ireland needs to help reform the UN, however, there are other ways in which a mandate can be given.
Limerick Voice also spoke to Neil Robinson, Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Limerick to gather thoughts on the referendum. He expressed strongly that a referendum should not be held on the triple lock.
“It is not a constitutional issue but a policy one. Removing the triple lock does not alter Ireland’s neutrality but the conditions on which troops can be deployed. He compared the argument to that of people arguing against marriage equality.
“Arguments against removing it that state that it is a step towards ending neutrality have the same status as those arguments made against marriage equality that argued it was the thin end of a wedge that would lead to people marrying their pets or their siblings,” added Professor Robinson.
He argued that “this is a policy issue and should be settled in the Dail.”