Sir, – You published two complementary Opinion & Analysis articles on February 2nd on Irish neutrality by Alanna O'Malley ("Why did Russia change location of its naval drills? Hint, it wasn't the fishermen") and the state of our Defence Forces by Michael McDowell ("We run down the Defence Forces at our peril").
The first article highlights the strength of our efforts at the UN Security Council in relation to Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine, while the second catalogues our inability to police our air space and maritime responsibilities.
Our neutral status sits well with our role at the UN; however, it should not be seen as an excuse for not maintaining well-resourced and modern Defence Forces.
This should include the latest technology and surveillance equipment capable of not only protecting our interests, but also of deterring any potential aggressor. – Yours, etc,
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MIKE CORMACK,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.