'Hands off Irish neutrality' - Mary Lou McDonald tells protest against triple-lock changes
Briefly

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and other opposition figures are vocally opposing proposed changes by the Irish Government to the triple-lock system for troop deployment that would potentially undermine Ireland's long-standing neutrality. The government aims to remove the requirement for UN approval for troop deployments over 12 individuals, hoping to circumvent veto powers held by major UN Security Council members. This has led to public outcry, with grassroots movements urging citizens to protest. The debate is emblematic of a deeper struggle over national identity and international diplomacy in contemporary Ireland.
"If Micheal Martin or Simon Harris really believe that they have this right, if they really are convinced by their own argument, if they want to get rid of our position as the neutral, I say to them: 'Go to the people, put the question, and she'll get your answer'."
"They believe that they can push ahead with their plans unchallenged. We have news for them, because we will fight like hell to stop them, and our message to Micheal Martin and to Simon Harris and to Ursula von der Leyen is very clear - hands off Ireland's neutrality."
At a packed meeting, people were urged to protest in the streets over the issue, reinforcing that this topic is not only political but also resonates deeply with the public sentiment on national identity.
The proposed change to the triple-lock system reflects the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding international peacekeeping efforts, particularly in light of the veto powers held by permanent UN Security Council members.
Read at Irish Independent
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