Louth Neutrality Network condemns Government vote to remove Triple Lock

Louth Neutrality Network has expressed its “bitter disappointment” following the Government’s vote last week to push ahead with removing Ireland’s Triple Lock, despite repeated polls showing strong public support for Irish neutrality and opposition to changing the safeguards that protect it.

The decision, it said, disregards the voices of communities across Ireland. Twelve local authorities, including Louth County Council, have voted to retain the Triple Lock, while more than 1,000 local people signed a petition calling for its retention.

Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGrehan and Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly voted with the Government, with Louth Neutrality Network saying they were ignoring the concerns expressed by those local constituents.

Aoife Herr from Louth Neutrality Network said: “We are bitterly disappointed that the Government has chosen to press ahead despite clear public opposition.

“It is also shocking to see the government conveniently ignore the commitments it made to the Irish public during the Lisbon and Nice treaties, where the triple lock was introduced as a neutrality safeguard.

“This decision is particularly shameful for Fianna Fáil, given the party’s historic association with Irish neutrality. Frank Aiken, the former Louth TD and Minister for External Affairs, used Ireland’s neutral position at the United Nations to champion disarmament, challenge the nuclear arms race and promote peace.

“He understood that Ireland’s strength lay in its neutrality, giving it a unique ability to speak out for international cooperation.

“Frank Aiken would be turning in his grave at the direction his party is now taking. Removing the Triple Lock weakens an important safeguard requiring a United Nations mandate for overseas deployments.

“This UN mandate helps ensure any deployment aligns with international law and had broad consensus. Without this, Irish troops risk being deployed to active war zones as peace enforcers instead of peace keepers.

“We call on TDs and Senators who believe in Irish neutrality to stand by their principles and oppose this direction of travel. Ireland should be strengthening its contribution to peace, diplomacy and disarmament, not dismantling the safeguards that underpin our proud neutrality tradition.”

Louth Neutrality Network said it will continue campaigning to retain the Triple Lock and defend Ireland’s independent, peace-oriented foreign policy.