Ireland's expression of concern about Kosovo is "untenable and hypocritical nonsense" while the State refuses to participate in European security structures, the Fine Gael spokesman on foreign affairs has said.
Mr Gay Mitchell TD urged the Government to sign up to the NATO-sponsored Partnership for Peace as an immediate step towards sharing responsibility for European security.
He added: "The EU summit in Austria over the weekend confirms that Britain is rethinking its attitude to European security. Ireland should rethink its position too."