Latest news with #IrishNeutrality
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Liam Cunningham says Government is 'putting health of economy ahead of genocide'
Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham has accused the Irish Government of "putting the health of our economy ahead of a genocide". The Dubliner also slated the coalition's proposal to remove the Triple Lock, accusing it of "lying" to people about their reason for doing so. Mr Cunningham was speaking at the launch of People Before Profit's pamphlet called "No to War. Defend Irish Neutrality". He was involved in launching a flotilla from Sicily, Italy, in recent days that will sail to Gaza with aid deliveries. While many people thought he was on the flotilla, which is also supported by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Mr Cunningham said that anybody who believed this was not paying enough attention, adding he realised it was "more heart-rending" if he was on the boat. He said that the Irish Navy should be with the flotilla to ensure it is not attacked on its way to Gaza to ensure that much-needed aid will be delivered. Mr Cunningham said: "They are doing the job that we are supposed to be doing, the people who are supposed to respect international law. "There should be a flotilla of Irish naval vessels standing up for our international law and treating international law with the respect it deserves, not this wonderful, disparate group of people who have got together to put their lives in danger because they're not being backed up. "There should be a European force circling that boat to ensure that they get there, because that is their legal responsibility." When asked if he was ashamed of the Irish Government's response to the war in Gaza, Mr Cunningham said it was putting national interests first. He continued: "I was asked in an interview, 'You're not worried about the socio-economic health of Ireland?' "We're comparing that to the dismemberment of children? We're putting a spreadsheet ahead of our international responsibilities? "We're putting the health of our economy ahead of a genocide? "Really, is that where we are? Is that where our humanity is? Let's have a look at the chequebook before we help the children? "I have no time for that and anybody that does has lost their humanity." The Government has proposed amending the so-called "Triple Lock" to remove the UN mandate to send Irish peacekeeping troops on missions abroad. Mr Cunningham said people must "fight tooth and nail" to protect it and the Government should "put it to the people". The Irish Government has argued that it needs to remove the UN part of the Triple Lock to prevent countries from having a veto on Irish troops being sent on missions. This includes, they argue, a Russian veto on a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Mr Cunningham said that this was a "lie" and that a UN General Assembly vote could allow the deployment of troops. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy also argued against the Government's reasoning, adding that if Russia vetoes a peacekeeping mission, "it means that there was not peace, there was not a ceasefire". "It means they're talking about sending troops on the ground to prosecute a war against Russia," he added.
BreakingNews.ie
4 days ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Actor Liam Cunningham accuses Government of ‘siding with warmongers'
The Government is 'siding with warmongers', Game Of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham has said, as he endorsed an opposition campaign to 'defend Irish neutrality'. Cunningham was speaking at the launch of a new People Before Profit pamphlet, No To War – Defend Irish Neutrality, which is published in opposition to Government plans to change the triple lock system for overseas deployments. Advertisement Under the current system, Ireland cannot deploy any more than 12 Defence Forces peacekeepers overseas without a mission being approved by the UN, as well as approval by the Government and the Dail. As part of the draft legislation being advanced by the Government, it is proposed to remove the requirement for formal UN approval and replace it with a stipulation that the deployments are in accordance with the UN Charter. The Government argues that this will prevent the five permanent members of the Security Council – Russia, China, the UK, the US and France – from exercising their veto against Irish peacekeeping missions. However, Cunningham accused the Government of 'lying' and 'obfuscation' over the mechanics of the existing triple lock, adding that the current system allows the UN General Assembly to approve such a mission in the absence of a green light from the Security Council. Advertisement 'They're scraping the barrel, lying to people,' he said. Speaking at Buswells Hotel across the road from Leinster House, he added: 'The vast majority of people are disgusted with what's going on, disgusted with our neutrality being diluted. 'And the people in power that we entrusted with the health of our democracy are siding with warmongers. 'That's why I'm here. I do not want to see this country that I adore being sold down the swanny so the boys across the road here can have their jobs with whatever commission or whatever when they're finally extricated from Government.' Advertisement Speaking at the same event, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy said: 'We're involved in an almighty fight to defend neutrality. We don't think it's a lost fight, we don't think it's guaranteed that the Government will get through their legislation to get rid of the triple lock.' The Bill also includes draft proposals to amend provisions relating to the deployment of Defence Forces personnel in non-combatant evacuation operations, and it is proposed to increase the number of troops who can be sent abroad without any 'lock' from 12 to 50. Critics see the moves as an effort to remove the core protections of the triple lock, erode Irish neutrality and practically align with Nato. Mr Murphy said: 'There were some politicians from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael at the [defence] committee last week who said 'this is about trusting future governments to send troops abroad wherever they want'. Advertisement 'Well, I don't trust Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to send troops abroad wherever they want, I think the majority of people in this country don't.' In reference to a Fine Gael policy document from 2003 which he said described the triple lock as a straitjacket, he added: 'I precisely want to tie their hands, I want to have a political straitjacket. 'I want to know in future that they will not be able to send troops abroad unless they are genuine peacekeeping missions – and that's what triple lock guarantees, and that's what the Government is trying to get rid of.' Cunningham said the public should 'fight tooth and nail' to retain the triple lock, arguing that the Government should put the matter to the public in a vote. Advertisement 'We all know what the result would be, it would be laughed out of this country that they even attempted to dilute the triple lock.' Cunningham said he had recently assisted in the launching of the sailing boat Madleen – operated by activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition – which is en route to Gaza from Sicily. He said the organisation's previous attempt to reach Gaza saw a different boat being attacked by drones. He said the current vessel is carrying humanitarian aid including crutches, antibiotics, baby formula and a 3D-printed prosthetic baby's arm. Cunningham described the 12 people on board – a four-person crew and eight volunteers – as 'remarkable'. He said: 'If we were doing our job properly, there should be an Irish naval vessel carrying this humanitarian aid, because that is our duty – not only morally but also under international law.' He added that there should be a European force encircling the boat to ensure it reaches its destination. Meanwhile, the Government is proceeding with legislation to ban the trade of goods with Palestinian lands illegally occupied by Israeli settlements. Asked for his opinion on the Government's approach, Cunningham said: 'If the Occupied Territories Bill comes in and services are not on it, then forget about it. Ireland 'Hands off Irish neutrality': Opposition pushes ba... Read More 'It's a waste of time, it's just tinsel.' He added: 'We need to start the ball rolling. If we do it, other countries will follow. 'Everybody's afraid to take the first step and we need to have the balls to do it.'
Irish Times
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Liam Cunningham says Government is ‘siding with warmongers' as he endorses Irish neutrality campaign
The Government is 'siding with warmongers', Game Of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham has said, as he endorsed an Opposition campaign to 'defend Irish neutrality'. Cunningham was speaking at the launch of a new People Before Profit pamphlet, No To War – Defend Irish Neutrality, which is published in opposition to Government plans to change the triple-lock system for overseas Defence Forces deployments. Under the current system, Ireland cannot deploy any more than 12 Defence Forces peacekeepers overseas without a mission being approved by the United Nations , as well as approval by the Government and the Dáil. As part of the draft legislation being advanced by the Government, it is proposed to remove the requirement for formal UN approval and replace it with a stipulation that the deployments are in accordance with the UN Charter. READ MORE The Government argues that this will prevent the five permanent members of the Security Council – Russia, China, the UK, the US and France – from exercising their veto against Irish peacekeeping missions. However, Cunningham accused the Government of 'lying' and 'obfuscation' over the mechanics of the existing triple lock, adding that the current system allows the UN General Assembly to approve such a mission in the absence of a green light from the Security Council. 'They're scraping the barrel, lying to people,' Cunningham said. Speaking at Buswells Hotel across the road from Leinster House, he added: 'The vast majority of people are disgusted with what's going on, disgusted with our neutrality being diluted. 'And the people in power that we entrusted with the health of our democracy are siding with warmongers. 'That's why I'm here. I do not want to see this country that I adore being sold down the swanny so the boys across the road here can have their jobs with whatever commission or whatever when they're finally extricated from Government.' Speaking at the same event, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy said: 'We're involved in an almighty fight to defend neutrality. We don't think it's a lost fight, we don't think it's guaranteed that the Government will get through their legislation to get rid of the triple lock.' The Bill also includes draft proposals to amend provisions relating to the deployment of Defence Forces personnel in non-combatant evacuation operations, and it is proposed to increase the number of troops who can be sent abroad without any 'lock' from 12 to 50. Critics see the moves as an effort to remove the core protections of the triple lock, erode Irish neutrality and practically align with Nato . 'There were some politicians from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael at the [defence] committee last week who said 'this is about trusting future governments to send troops abroad wherever they want',' Mr Murphy said. 'Well, I don't trust Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to send troops abroad wherever they want, I think the majority of people in this country don't.' Cunningham said the public should 'fight tooth and nail' to retain the triple lock, arguing that the Government should put the matter to the public in a vote. 'We all know what the result would be, it would be laughed out of this country that they even attempted to dilute the triple lock.' Cunningham said he had recently assisted in the launching of the sailing boat Madleen – operated by activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition – which is en route to Gaza from Sicily. He said the organisation's previous attempt to reach Gaza saw a different boat being attacked by drones. He said the current vessel is carrying humanitarian aid including crutches, antibiotics, baby formula and a 3D-printed prosthetic baby's arm. Cunningham described the 12 people on board – a four-person crew and eight volunteers – as 'remarkable'. 'If we were doing our job properly, there should be an Irish naval vessel carrying this humanitarian aid, because that is our duty – not only morally but also under international law,' Cunningham said. He added that there should be a European force encircling the boat to ensure it reaches its destination. Meanwhile, the Government is proceeding with legislation to ban the trade of goods with Palestinian lands illegally occupied by Israeli settlements. Asked for his opinion on the Government's approach, Cunningham said: 'If the Occupied Territories Bill comes in and services are not on it, then forget about it. 'It's a waste of time, it's just tinsel.' He added: 'We need to start the ball rolling. If we do it, other countries will follow. 'Everybody's afraid to take the first step and we need to have the balls to do it.' - PA
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Mary Lou McDonald accuses Government of undermining Irish neutrality
Speaking in the first of a series of meetings to Defend Irish Neutrality, Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald said: 'We will go to the four corners of Ireland to say with one voice that we will not stand by while our neutrality is undermined and attacked by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and by the militarisation agenda at the heart of the European Union.' Meetings will take place across the country in the coming months culminating with events in Dublin and Belfast. Ms McDonald was joined at the Cork meeting by local TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaoire who is the Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs Spokesperson. The leader of Sinn Féin said Fine Gael have long set their face against Irish neutrality. 'The meetings are the first step in the campaign to defend Irish neutrality in the face of Irish government moves to undermine neutrality, the first step of which is the removal of the Triple Lock. 'Legislation from Simon Harris to end the Triple Lock will be published in the coming days. It is no surprise that Fine Gael are seeking to do this. They have long set their face against Irish neutrality. It's more than two decades since they launched their ill-fated document 'Beyond Neutrality'. They are joined by Fianna Fáil who have now abandoned their long standing position on Irish neutrality,' she added. Ms McDonald continued: 'In the most cynical effort the two parties have joined forces to use the volatility in the world as an alibi to tear down our neutrality, to dismantle the Triple Lock so that Irish soldiers can be deployed in EU-led and NATO-led military misadventures that are not in Ireland's interests, and without an UN mandate. This sends a message that the United Nations no longer matters.' Our neutrality has stood us in good stead,' declared Ms McDonald. 'It's the bedrock upon which Ireland built a powerful reputation as a voice for peace, freedom and justice in the world, as an honourable defender of human rights and democracy, as a respected champion of conflict resolution through dialogue. It has allowed members of our defence forces to wear the blue beret of UN Peacekeeping missions with pride and stand in protection of the vulnerable throughout the world.' The President of Sinn Féin acknowledged that we are now living in an uncertain world, but she reiterated that is why preserving and strengthening Irish neutrality has never been more important. 'Never has it been more crucial for neutral states to stand-up and be counted, to confront the instinct of the powerful to arm-up, flex their military muscles and go to war. The battle to save Irish neutrality is on. We will fight back with everything we've got against this disgraceful plan from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.' 'We will campaign relentlessly,' said Ms McDonald. 'On the streets, in our communities, on the airwaves, and in the Dáil. We will ask people to join us, to get involved, to play their part, to put their feet on the street and raise their voices loudly in protest.' During her visit to Cork, the Sinn Féin leader also visited residents from the Clashduv Road flats in Togher. Ms McDonald said the flats have been neglected for far too long. 'Built in the 1970s, these flats face damp, rusted railings, uneven floors and rodents. Children play near danger. 'Families live with daily discomfort. They deserve better. Regeneration is urgent. The residents are the heart of these flats. The government cannot keep turning away,' she added.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Sinn Féin party leader calls out Irish Government for undermining Irish neutrality at public meeting in Cork
Speaking in the first of a series of meetings to Defend Irish Neutrality, Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald said: 'We will go to the four corners of Ireland to say with one voice that we will not stand by while our neutrality is undermined and attacked by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and by the militarisation agenda at the heart of the European Union.' Meetings will take place across the country in the coming months culminating with events in Dublin and Belfast. Ms McDonald was joined at the Cork meeting by local TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaoire who is the Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs Spokesperson. The leader of Sinn Féin said Fine Gael have long set their face against Irish neutrality. 'The meetings are the first step in the campaign to defend Irish neutrality in the face of Irish government moves to undermine neutrality, the first step of which is the removal of the Triple Lock. 'Legislation from Simon Harris to end the Triple Lock will be published in the coming days. It is no surprise that Fine Gael are seeking to do this. They have long set their face against Irish neutrality. It's more than two decades since they launched their ill-fated document 'Beyond Neutrality'. They are joined by Fianna Fáil who have now abandoned their long standing position on Irish neutrality,' she added. Ms McDonald continued: 'In the most cynical effort the two parties have joined forces to use the volatility in the world as an alibi to tear down our neutrality, to dismantle the Triple Lock so that Irish soldiers can be deployed in EU-led and NATO-led military misadventures that are not in Ireland's interests, and without an UN mandate. This sends a message that the United Nations no longer matters.' Our neutrality has stood us in good stead,' declared Ms McDonald. 'It's the bedrock upon which Ireland built a powerful reputation as a voice for peace, freedom and justice in the world, as an honourable defender of human rights and democracy, as a respected champion of conflict resolution through dialogue. It has allowed members of our defence forces to wear the blue beret of UN Peacekeeping missions with pride and stand in protection of the vulnerable throughout the world.' The President of Sinn Féin acknowledged that we are now living in an uncertain world, but she reiterated that is why preserving and strengthening Irish neutrality has never been more important. 'Never has it been more crucial for neutral states to stand-up and be counted, to confront the instinct of the powerful to arm-up, flex their military muscles and go to war. The battle to save Irish neutrality is on. We will fight back with everything we've got against this disgraceful plan from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.' 'We will campaign relentlessly,' said Ms McDonald. 'On the streets, in our communities, on the airwaves, and in the Dáil. We will ask people to join us, to get involved, to play their part, to put their feet on the street and raise their voices loudly in protest.' During her visit to Cork, the Sinn Féin leader also visited residents from the Clashduv Road flats in Togher. Ms McDonald said the flats have been neglected for far too long. 'Built in the 1970s, these flats face damp, rusted railings, uneven floors and rodents. Children play near danger. 'Families live with daily discomfort. They deserve better. Regeneration is urgent. The residents are the heart of these flats. The government cannot keep turning away,' she added.
