Most voters are willing to engage in a European Union common defence so long as Ireland can opt in or out of military action on a case by case basis.
They have much the same attitude to Irish participation in wars that have a United Nations mandate. They have been open to political influence and debate on letting Irish facilities such as Shannon airport be used by United States troop-carrying aircraft going to the Iraq war, and do not believe the Government's decision on Shannon violated Irish neutrality. Were they to vote tomorrow only two per cent of them would be influenced by concerns about neutrality.
These are the principal findings of The Irish Times/TNS mrbi poll concerning these important issues in contemporary world affairs. They reveal a more fluid, pragmatic and sophisticated attitude than might be expected from the normal vocabulary of Ireland's official policy of military neutrality, or the political and security logic that is supposed to flow from it. The term has a symbolic significance as a badge of sovereignty and values accumulated over years of international involvement; however, it does not illuminate or guide political action on these issues, but often obscures it.
The lesson from this poll and recent international events is that Ireland's political leaders and citizens alike must consider how best to define the country's security values and interests on their merits and not according to whether they are in accord with neutrality doctrine. Circumstances change and policy must be adapted and developed to meet them. There is substantial leeway available to the Government in taking such an approach. Clearly voters were impressed by the arguments put forward to allow the US to use Shannon, including the potential impact on Irish-American relations had permission been refused.
The most pressing challenge arising from the Iraq war is how to adapt international institutions to its consequences. It now looks as if a United Nations resolution lifting sanctions against Iraq can be agreed, despite the acute transatlantic tension before and during the war. Ireland has a major interest in ensuring the UN is not permanently damaged. The European Union, too, is having to adapt to these changes by strengthening its foreign policy and military capacity. Most voters want to see that done effectively and are willing to participate in the process with an option on involvement in particular military actions.
These poll findings show there is room for a more informed debate and a more sophisticated Irish involvement in EU and UN policy-making and operations than has been assumed to date by most political leaders. As new policies and structures are agreed voters are ready to approve them if the arguments in favour are clearly and convincingly made.