Sir, – The decision by Government to provide basic weapons training for members of Ukrainian forces is indeed welcome, and long overdue (News, August 19th). Most European countries decided long ago that assisting Ukraine in its struggle for survival was indeed the right decision to make. Russia started this war, and to date has indicated no wish to end it.
Some may argue that it “undermines” our neutrality. We have never been strictly neutral. During the “Emergency” we were neutral upon the side of the Allies, providing much assistance such as intelligence reports, repatriation of their service people and equipment, along with providing the British authorities with knowledge of German codes broken by Richard Hayes, of the National Library in Dublin.
In a High Court case taken in 2003 regarding the use of Shannon Airport by US forces, the High Court held that neutrality was nowhere reflected in the Constitution or anywhere in domestic legislation and effectively is a matter of government policy only. Clearly, Irish neutrality means whatever policy that the government of the day chooses.
The Irish people have given great support to Ukrainian people who have come here seeking shelter and assistance. We should continue to provide such assistance for however long it takes, including what little military assistance we can provide. Russian aggression started this war and currently the only answer is to fight it. – Yours, etc,
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CONOR HOGARTY,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
