Triple Lock is a ‘vital safeguard’ say Tipperary group

​The Tipperary Neutrality Network say they have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Ireland’s neutrality, following two important public events this summer.

The group, in coordination with Cork Action Against War, held a public information talk on July 13 followed by a march and a rally on August 15.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Rhona Carroll, Borrisoleigh, said that they were “delighted” to be join in July by Ed Horgan of Shannonwatch, as well as Fionn Wallace from the Neutrality Now Roadshow, Seamus Healy TD and Kathleen Funchion MEP.

"Their contributions brought valuable experience and perspectives to an engaging public discussion on Irish neutrality, the Triple Lock and the importance of maintaining an independent Irish foreign policy”.

“At our August rally, we were honoured to welcome Imelda O’Donovan of Cork Action Against War as a guest speaker.

Imelda and the group are currently delivering public information talks on the Triple Lock and Irish neutrality, said Rhona, “explaining how the two are closely connected and why the Triple Lock remains an important safeguard for Ireland’s independent foreign policy”.

"Their work is bringing this vital conversation directly into communities across Cork and further afield, helping people understand what is at stake and why decisions about Ireland’s neutrality must not be made without informed public debate.

"We were delighted to have Imelda bring that message to Tipperary and to stand together in defence of peace, neutrality and democratic accountability”.

Owen Buchanan of Tipperary Neutrality Network also spoke about the importance of protecting the Triple Lock as a “vital safeguard for Irish neutrality and democratic accountability”.

"He called on people to make their voices heard, stressing that decisions of such enormous consequence must not be made without the democratic will of the Irish people”.

Central to the group’s campaign is the defence of the Triple Lock, which requires all three of UN authorisation, government approval, and Dáil approval before Irish troops can participate in any overseas missions.

"The Triple Lock is an important democratic safeguard. It should be protected, not dismantled or weakened” said Rhona.

“Ireland has a proud and long-standing history of neutrality, peacekeeping, diplomacy and humanitarian engagement.

"At a time of growing international conflict and pressure for increased military spending, we believe Ireland should strengthen that tradition rather than move towards deeper militarisation.

​”We also reject the diversion of increasing amounts of public money towards militarisation while communities face enormous pressures on housing, healthcare, disability services, education, transport and other essential services.

“Our message is clear: public money should be invested in public services, not militarisation.

“The strong public engagement with our July information talk and August march and rally shows that these questions matter deeply to people in Tipperary, Cork and beyond.

​The Tipperary Neutrality Network say they will continue to inform, organise and campaign for an “independent Irish foreign policy based on peace, neutrality, democracy and international cooperation”.

​”Protect the Triple Lock. Defend Irish neutrality. Invest in our people and our public services. Put it to the people, Referendum now”.