A CALL went out from Limerick Council for a referendum and public debate regarding the Government’s intention to abolish the Triple Lock, which governs the deployment of Irish Defence Forces.
At the recent full meeting of the local authority, Independent councillor Ursula Gavan took the view that we are now witnessing a breakdown in the global order. Cllr Gavan called for “our valued Triple Lock to be celebrated and strengthened rather than dismantled”.
Cllr Gavan deemed it an essential democratic safeguard, crucial in these times of global instability.
“Ireland’s reputation in international affairs has been founded on independent, principled neutrality, and on the deployment of Defence Forces personnel solely to unmandated peacekeeping missions,” the City East representative declared.
“Such a fundamental shift in our neutrality and defence policy requires public debate and discourse, not a change at the cabinet table. While we can contend that the UN is not perfect, it is better to argue for reform from within rather than abandon it without true public debate and discourse.”
Independent councillor Maria Donoghue supported the motion, saying that Ireland’s peacekeepers are valued across the globe and respected in places of great conflict.
“This is something we should cherish. It is one of our unique selling points and we shouldn’t be giving it away,” she commented.
Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan considered the motion to be timely with the Government beginning the process in dismantling the Triple Lock. Cllr O’Donovan suggested this as real threat to undermine Ireland’s neutrality.
“I just don’t think there should be any flexibility when it comes to deploying Irish Defence Forces overseas. We need robust oversight on deploying our armed forces and the Triple Lock gives us that at the moment,” she said.
Cllr Elena Secas (IND) was of the opinion that “maintaining the Triple Lock constitutes a reflection of the will of the Irish people, given that it was introduced following the rejection of the Nice Treaty and reaffirmed following the Lisbon Treaty”.
“It represents a clear guarantee given to the Irish people to protect Irelands military neutrality,” she said.
Cllr Gavan is now calling for meaningful public consultation and democratic scrutiny before altering a mechanism that has shaped Ireland’s peacekeeping role for over 20 years.