A small group of demonstrators shouted “no to NATO” as Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin began his opening address at the government’s consultative forum on international security on Thursday, June 22nd. Ireland, which has a long-standing policy of military neutrality, is said to be split 52-48 in favour of joining the military alliance.
The consultation, which runs until Tuesday, June 27th, will look at the country’s engagement with NATO, a subject that has stoked deep passion. This was clearly demonstrated when Mr. Martin was interrupted soon after beginning his speech by protesters holding a banner which read: “NATO WARS MILLIONS DEAD.”
At first, the foreign minister attempted to speak over the group, reportedly from the Connolly Youth Movement, but soon gave way to their protests. After being told he ought to feel “shame” over his security views, he accused those holding banners of being “undemocratic.”
Mr. Martin was met with applause when criticising the group for trying to “shut down debate.” The address continued as usual after the protesters, continuing to air their views, were dragged out of the room by police.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris later said the occurrence was “disappointing, if not unsurprising.”
I just never understand why anyone wants to stifle debate. I think we’ve seen an incredible effort over the course of the last week to try and stifle a really important discussion. And in many ways, we’ve had over the last week a discussion really about process.
Martin added that the group’s arguments were “incoherent” and “not evidence-based.”
Protesters, who also stood outside the consultation, accused the event of being swayed towards pro-NATO sentiments. The Galway Alliance Against War said people must be reminded “that Ireland should play no part in the warmongering of NATO … [which has caused] the never-ending wars of the 21st century, from the present conflict in the Ukraine to the ongoing war in Afghanistan.”
Ireland’s President Michael D. Higgins, whose role is largely ceremonial, also joined the debate by accusing the government of “playing with fire” by opening a debate over Ireland’s neutrality. The Security Consultation’s discussions have largely been prompted by the war in Ukraine and by Sweden and Finland’s accession to the security bloc.
