Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor McGuinness and Ireland South MEP Kathleen Funchion will host a public meeting in Dungarvan on Monday, 9 November, as part of their campaign to defend Irish neutrality and oppose the Government’s plans to dismantle the Triple Lock.
The meeting, titled Defend Irish Neutrality, will take place at 7.30pm in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan. It will provide an opportunity for members of the public to hear more about the Government’s proposals, have their say and show their support for the protection of Irish neutrality.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Teachta McGuinness said:
“The Government’s plans to dismantle the Triple Lock represent a fundamental change to Ireland’s longstanding policy of military neutrality. This would seriously impact the independence of our foreign policy and the role Ireland plays internationally.
“The Triple Lock provides an important safeguard, ensuring that the deployment of Irish Defence Forces personnel to overseas missions requires Government approval, Dáil approval and a UN mandate.
“Ireland’s neutrality is a strength. It allows us to pursue an independent foreign policy and make a distinctive contribution to peacekeeping, diplomacy and the promotion of international law.
“This is an issue that belongs to the Irish people. The Government has no mandate to make this fundamental change without giving the public their say. If they believed this move had any public support they would put it to a referendum.
“I would encourage people from across Waterford and West Waterford to come along to Lawlor’s Hotel on Monday evening, have their voices heard and show their support for defending Irish neutrality.”
Kathleen Funchion MEP said:
“Sinn Féin is building a national campaign to defend Irish neutrality and protect the Triple Lock. There is considerable public concern about the Government’s proposals, and people deserve the opportunity to understand what is at stake and make their voices heard.
“Our neutrality is an important part of Ireland’s international identity. It gives us the independence to speak up for peace, human rights and international law, without being drawn into military alliances or conflicts.
“We want to hear from people across Waterford. This public meeting is an opportunity to discuss the Government’s plans, ask questions and demonstrate the strength of support for maintaining Irish neutrality.
“I encourage everyone who cares about this issue to attend and to bring along family, friends and neighbours.”
The public meeting will take place on Monday, 9 November, at 7.30pm in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan. All are welcome.