Sinn Féin MEP for Midlands North West, Chris MacManus, has warned Fine Gael cannot be trusted on Irish neutrality.

MEP MacManus said:

“The Taoiseach’s comments yesterday about ending the triple lock within the lifetime of his government’s time in power has exposed yet again that Fine Gael cannot be trusted on Irish neutrality.

“The people of Ireland are proud of our history of neutrality, and rightly so. 

“On the international stage Ireland’s neutrality has been fundamental to the unique role we play in peacekeeping and diplomacy. It is a strength for Ireland and one that the Irish people value.

“Weakening or ending Ireland’s neutrality would be a fundamentally negative shift in Ireland’s foreign policy. The Taoiseach’s comments expose yet again how utterly out of touch Fine Gael are on this issue.

“His comments come at a time when Fine Gael’s cosy relationship with Ursula Von der Leyen has raised alarm bells. Fine Gael MEPs have backed Ms Von der Leyen’s bid for re-election as Commission President, despite the fact that her time in office has been damaging for Irish neutrality at every turn. 

“She has been one of the driving forces behind the growing militarisation agenda of the EU, which disrespects Ireland’s long held neutrality. She has indicated that the next European Commission should include a dedicated defence commissioner. Such moves would be a clear violation of Irish neutrality.

“It is clear that Fine Gael are totally out of touch with the people of Ireland on this issue, and cannot be trusted on Irish neutrality.”