Public meeting in Tipperary to discuss the future of Irish neutrality
Implications for Irish neutrality and peacekeeping will be discussed
Tipperary Neutrality Network is inviting members of the public to attend a public meeting in Clonmel on Monday, July 13, to discuss the Government's proposed changes to Ireland's Triple Lock mechanism and what they believe these changes could mean for Irish neutrality and peacekeeping.
The meeting will take place at Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, beginning at 7.30pm, and is free to attend.
The event will focus on explaining what the Triple Lock is, how it currently operates and the implications campaigners believe its removal would have for Ireland's long-standing policy of military neutrality and participation in international peacekeeping missions.
According to the organisers, the meeting aims to provide an opportunity for local people to hear different perspectives, ask questions and discuss what role communities in Tipperary can play in defending Irish neutrality.
The headline speaker will be Edward Horgan, retired Commandant, former UN peacekeeper and co-founder of Shannonwatch.
He will be joined by Séamus Healy TD and Kathleen Funchion MEP, with additional speakers to be announced.
A spokesperson for Tipperary Neutrality Network said: "The Triple Lock has been an important safeguard governing the deployment of Irish troops overseas. Many people have heard the term but are unsure what it actually means or why the Government wants to change it.
“This meeting will explain the issues involved and provide an opportunity for people to ask questions and take part in an open discussion about Ireland's future policy on neutrality".
The organisers say the meeting is open to everyone, regardless of political affiliation or previous involvement in campaigning.