Latest news with #IrishNeutrality
Irish Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
De Valera's acrimonious relationship with US President Roosevelt's man in Dublin during Second World War
The requirement that students must unlock social media profiles when applying for US visas reminds us that Irish sentiment is out of step with the White House when it comes to international affairs. The new American ambassador, Edward Walsh, is not the first to find himself at odds with Irish opinion makers – during his 1984 presidential visit, TDs and senators listened to Ronald Reagan's remarks on Central America in stony silence. Such challenges do not compare, however, to the acrimony between Éamon de Valera and David Gray, then US president Franklin D Roosevelt's man in Dublin during the second World War. Before Germany surrendered, Gray had been told by the State Department Ireland would not be invited to participate in the inaugural conference of the United Nations in San Francisco. De Valera's courtesy call on the German minister, Eduard Hempel, to express his condolences after Hitler's death caused outrage in Britain and the US, but at home it reinforced the perception that neutrality was administered impartially. READ MORE The extent of Ireland's co-operation with the Allies remained secret, and Winston Churchill's personal remarks about de Valera's policy on VE Day – the Irish government had stayed out of the war 'to frolic' with the Germans 'to their heart's content' – incensed public opinion. De Valera's dignified response on radio won him admiration, and identified neutrality with Irish independence. Following his visit to Hempel, a gesture his senior officials saw as grotesquely ill-judged, the taoiseach received fiercely critical letters from Irish-Americans. One serviceman in the Philippines wrote, 'I have a mother in Ireland, I also have brothers fighting this war, but I guess Dr Hempel means more to you. Have no more time, got to fight the Jap.' Other letter writers wrote of 'great embarrassment' and feeling 'ashamed'. On the other hand, the tactful British representative in Dublin, John Maffey, thought that de Valera's pose as the elder statesman in his reply to Churchill – skilfully working on 'all the old passions' – represented a setback for Britain's approach to Ireland. Gray arrived in Dublin in February 1940, three months before Hitler's tanks rolled over the Netherlands, Belgium, and then France. Like Roosevelt, the inexperienced American representative had no sympathy for Ireland's neutral stance – even though the US stayed out of the war until Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December the following year. Gray could not understand the diplomatic balancing act de Valera had to perform to avoid antagonising the two nearest belligerent powers. As one of his critics put it, the American representative 'brandished the big stick too much'. Relations between the two deteriorated when Frank Aiken went to Washington in April 1941 in an effort to ease the supplies squeeze enforced by Churchill. De Valera's close cabinet colleague, responsible for co-ordinating defensive measures, did succeed in purchasing two ships, but only after a fraught meeting with the president. According to an Irish source, Aiken insisted that Ireland had to contend with a twin threat of 'aggression' – from Britain, and Germany. The pro-British Roosevelt thundered 'nonsense' and pulled the tablecloth to land his lunch on the floor. Furious with the reception Aiken received during his visit, de Valera believed Gray had misrepresented him to the president. But their relationship reached a critical point in February 1944 when the American envoy asked de Valera to recall the German and Japanese representatives. The taoiseach saw the 'American note' as an ultimatum and rejected it as undermining Ireland's neutrality. When Hitler took his own life in April 1945, Gray demanded the keys of the German legation before its records could be destroyed ' – de Valera rejected this too. T he cessation of hostilities in Europe did not mark the end of this period of testy US-Irish relations as Gray stayed in Dublin until 1947. Sceptical about the benefits of joining the UN, de Valera told the Dáil in June 1946 that Ireland 'was losing nothing' by not applying for membership. 'But all changed in a matter of weeks,' his biographer Ronan Fanning writes, 'as the cold war deepened'. Soviet efforts to have their Eastern European satellites admitted as members of the UN led to the British and the Americans supporting the applications of neutral European countries. However, the Soviet Union used its Security Council veto to reject Irish membership – ostensibly because diplomatic relations had not been established. This refusal caused little upset in Dublin, creating, as one leading civil servant put it, 'neither surprise nor disappointment'. A Soviet spokesman later stated at the UN general assembly that states such as Ireland and Salazar's Portugal could not be regarded as 'peace-loving' because they had 'supported fascism' during the war, and, he said, they maintained 'particularly friendly relationships' with Franco's Spain, 'the last offshoot of fascism in Europe'. Ireland finally became a member of the UN in 1955.
BreakingNews.ie
14-06-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
'Fight to defend Irish neutrality is on', Sinn Féin leader tells rally
The 'fight to defend Ireland's neutrality is on', Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has told a rally in Dublin. About 1,000 people took part in the Irish Neutrality League event on Saturday afternoon. Advertisement The rally was protesting against Government plans for new legislation that would change how Ireland decides to deploy members of the Defence Forces abroad to serve on international peacekeeping missions. Under the current system, Ireland cannot deploy any more than 12 Defence Forces peacekeepers overseas without a peacekeeping mission being approved by a vote of the UN Security Council – as well as approval by the Government and the Dáil, known as the triple lock. Ms McDonald told the rally: 'We are here to send Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael a message – we will not sit back while you disgracefully move to dismantle the triple lock and to demolish our neutrality. 'No way. Not on your life. We will fight this tooth and nail. Advertisement 'If Micheál Martin and Simon Harris are so confident that their plan to demolish our neutrality has the support of the Irish people, put it to them in a referendum, let the people have their say and FF-FG will get their answer loudly and clearly.' She said: "The people of Ireland cherish our neutrality. 'We value it deeply as part of who we are as a people. It's hardwired into our own history. 'Hardwired into our struggle against colonisation and oppression; our struggle for the freedom of our nation. Advertisement Ireland Taoiseach calls on global powers to de-escalate co... Read More 'Neutrality is how Ireland has built an strong, respected and honourable reputation in the world as a defender of peace, human rights, and international justice. 'In Ireland, we don't bow to kings, we don't bow to kaisers, and we certainly won't bow to a dangerous militarisation agenda driven by power, greed and war. 'We are not going to stand back and allow FF-FG to run roughshod over neutrality so that Irish troops can be deployed into military conflict and misadventures that have nothing to do with Ireland and without the sanction of the United Nations.'
Irish Daily Mirror
04-06-2025
- 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
04-06-2025
- 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
04-06-2025
- 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
