By Elizabeth Cullen, Kilcullen, Co Kildare, Irish Examiner, January 25, 2025
Promoting disarmament is cited as one of five signature policies for Ireland by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and is a wonderful continuation of Frank Aiken’s great work for peace in the UN in the 1950s. His outstanding work there led to the creation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The commitments under this treaty include not to make or acquire nuclear weapons, and to further the goal of nuclear and complete disarmament.
As a member of the EU, one would hope that in our troubled world, Ireland would proudly uphold Frank Aiken’s legacy. Although the government website continues to state that “Ireland continues to play a leading role in efforts to promote disarmament, non-proliferation and the regulation of new weapons”, unfortunately, this is not what is happening. In relation to making or acquiring nuclear weapons, France possesses its own nuclear weapons, and under Nato’s nuclear sharing plan, four EU countries host US nuclear weapons on their soil.
European defence spending in 2023 increased by 10% on the previous year, to a record €279bn, marking the ninth year of consecutive growth. In addition, the EU has provided billions in funding and weapons directly to a country (Ukraine) for the first time.
Ursula von der Leyen stated in 2024 that “the EU-Nato partnership is a cornerstone of our security”, while the Nato website states:
“Nuclear weapons are a core component of Nato’s overall capabilities for deterrence and defence, alongside conventional and missile defence forces.”
There is every chance, as there is no mention of the triple lock in the new programme for government, that Ireland’s foreign policy may be informed by the EU.
Aiken was a staunch supporter of Irish neutrality and greatly upset US president Roosevelt when he refused his request that Ireland join the war. Official Ireland in 2025 seems to have no problem allowing US military planes to use Shannon airport in their wars.
The statement by the Department of Foreign affairs that Ireland plays a leading role in disarmament issues is patently not true. Ireland must fulfil its constitutional obligation to be peacemakers.
The future may not forgive us.
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This is a world we all dream of!