‘Robust discussion’ at Cabinet over neutrality, Varadkar says

Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar says it is not in the gift of the Taoiseach to give the Independent TDs a free vote on neutrality.

He said there was “a robust discussion” at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting about the neutrality issue, but maintains that reports of a “row” at the meeting were exaggerated.

He said it was not up to Fine Gael to impose a whip on Independent TDs who want a free vote on the issue of neutrality being enshrined in the Constitution.

The Minister told RTE's Morning Ireland that the Independent TDs were bound by collective Cabinet responsibility.

The Independent Alliance has sought a free vote on a Bill allowing for neutrality to be enshrined in the Constitution.

At the Cabinet meeting yesterday morning Minister for Transport Shane Ross and Minister of State at the Department of Health Finian McGrath sought a vote of conscience on the proposed legislation.

The argument is said to have lasted over an hour and a half and dominated the meeting.

The Irish Times understands Mr Ross and Mr McGrath strongly fought in favour of a free vote insisting it was not part of the Programme for Partnership.

However Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan resisted such a move and demanded the Alliance adhere to Cabinet collective responsibility.

Cabinet sources say Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald and Minister for Finance Michael Noonan were sympathetic to the Alliance Ministers.

Mr Kenny, however, insisted the issue of Ireland's neutrality required an all-Government response.

The Bill has been proposed by Sinn Féin and allows for a referendum to enshrine Ireland’s neutrality in the Constitution.

The party had tabled similar legislation in 2015 and Mr McGrath, Mr Ross and Minister of State John Halligan voted in favour of it while opposition TDs.

Speaking to The Irish Times Mr McGrath said: “We were pushing hard. It was a healthy debate.

“We wanted to have a conversation about Ireland’s foreign strategy and we thought this referendum would facilitate that.”

A compromise was reached by both sides and an amendment will be tabled to the Sinn Féin Bill. This will allow the Government to oppose a second reading of the Bill.

The two sides also agreed to release a strong statement committing to Ireland’s neutrality.

The wording has yet to be decided. Drafts were being exchanged between the two sides last night.