Sir, – It is depressing and annoying that Sinn Féin has now changed its stance on Ireland’s neutrality. Sinn Féin, over the past 20 years or so, has gone from a solidly socialist republican party to a party that will now take positions depending on where the wind is blowing (“Sinn Féin drops pledges to withdraw from EU and Nato defence arrangements”, News, May 13th). It has now grouped itself with the Greens and the Labour Party in that it will do anything now that will get it into government and will abandon all progressive policies to reach that end. – Yours, etc,
LIAM DORAN,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.
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Sir, – Those who argue that our neutrality in some way undermines our sovereignty mistakenly cling to an outdated definition of national independence. Choosing to rely on other countries for our defence is a realistic and sensible policy. Pretending that we can arm ourselves to repel very powerful invaders is nonsense (Letters, May 15th).
There is no indication that our friends will not support us if the worst should happen or that an enemy is planning to invade us any time soon. This is the realpolitik of defence for Ireland in the 21st century. It differs considerably from many other countries.
Maintaining a well-funded Naval Service, a modest Air Corps and a small Army are all important. Abandoning our neutrality due to an outdated view of independence is unwarranted. – Yours, etc,
SEAN KEAVNEY,
Castleknock,
Dublin 15.