Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney at Dublin Castle this morning
This morning.
Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.
Meanwhile, via RTE News:
Simon Coveney has said Irish troops could take part in a new rapid reaction force envisaged as part of the EU’s long term security and defence needs, which have been rapidly updated in light of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
“As regards a rapid reaction force, yes, I think there’s a good chance that we’ll be involved in that,” Mr Coveney said.
The rapid reaction force idea was approved by EU defence ministers as part of the so-called Strategic Compass, the EU’s new defence strategy which has been under discussion since November 2020.
He said that if there was a crisis “we could have up to 5,000 trained personnel that have trained together, worked together, have shared equipment, and are ready to go at short notice. And if Ireland chooses to be part of that, then of course we can be.”
Mr Coveney said Ireland had already been part of the development of so-called EU battle groups, and the rapid reaction force was building upon that structure.
Irish troops could take part in new EU rapid reaction force – Coveney (RTE)
Fupp Pesco, fupp NATO.
That will be a referendum so and a no thanks.
they’ll just ask again, louder this time
I believe that was one of the sticking points of Lisbon 1.0 that led to its defeat here – and Coveney thinks they can sneak it in the backdoor?
FG sneaky? Never !
Lisbon Treaty which Ireland signed up to (albeit at the 2nd time of asking)
Mutual defence clause (Article 42.7 TEU)
If a Member State is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, the other Member States
shall have towards it an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power, in
accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2009_2014/documents/sede/dv/sede200612mutualdefsolidarityclauses_/sede200612mutualdefsolidarityclauses_en.pdf
“(albeit at the 2nd time of asking)”
After being vociferously reassured that it wasn’t going to get us involved in any kind of EU Army shenanigans
I’ve been telling BS for years that 2/10/09 was the day Ireland’s independence died of shame.
Allowing the country to be bounced into a second Lisbon vote on the back of idle threats from a crooked French President and some flimsy neutrality guarantees not worth the paper they’re written on made Ireland an international laughing stock.
Ireland has always been a fringe EU player and now it’s basically at the beck and call of a woman who was the worst German defence minister in living memory.Kind of appropriate really.
The alternative argument is that Ireland has a major free rider issue with its security and that it is our fortuitous geographical location that has enabled this up until now – just presenting this case in the interest of balance and in the spirit of free debate without prejudice
Was this in the Programme for Government? Or is it just the Mushroom Treatment being given to us?
They really are using this “crisis” to try and slip lots of things past us.
Let’s not forget when voting time comes.
NO
Ehhh hard pass.
Link goes to a story about Ireland co-hosting the Euros.
Thanks, ANO, fixed now.
hard no, incredibly stupid move
Big fat nope, fupp off trying to cosy up to your mates in Europe looking for another sinecure when your time at the Irish trough is up.
These guys never give up. Trying to sign us up for everything. My favorite is “We need to change the narrative”. What? You mean make us do the thing we don’t want to do? Let me tell you Coveney, the narrative is nobody wants this. Move to America if you want to pick sides. And sign your own kids up for an army.
My (very, very) limited understanding of the EU battle groups was that our providing specialists to train with them did not oblige us to undertake action with them – that this could be taken on a case by case basis.
Would this also be the case for this ‘rapid reaction force’ ?
Regardless the current government does appear to be losing the run of itself here. It does feel like we’re approaching the stage where we need to clarify our ‘neutral’ stance, possibly through a referendum as others have said or maybe just a quick poll on The Journal ?
The only rapid reaction ever seen from Irish soldiers is when someone shouts last orders.
Seems to me Ireland has been too reliant poncing off others, notably the UK, for its defence for too long.
Imagine having your skies patrolled by the brave boys and girls of the Royal Air Force but only on an unofficial nod and a wink basis because the government is too embarrassed to admit it.
Morto.
Time to get off your knees™
Are you back from your week in Youghal Charger ?
Another ten days in our island paradise old sport.
Just had my breakfast ( mango juice and avocado bagel ) and it’s already 30 degrees.
I think it’s a day for loitering with intent by the pool.
Although I hear it’s very pleasant back home too.
Marvellous™
Strewth,he’s right. Assemble a big army and invade the north. It’s the only thing to do.
A cowardly nation.