Independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has reiterated her belief that Germany is trying to revitalise its economy through its military industrial complex.
Speaking at a public meeting in Dublin, she agreed with People Before Profit representative Kieran Allen, who said the current situation in Europe is a “drive to war”.
Ms Connolly told a fireside chat with the UCD Politics Society on Wednesday she believed Germany’s rearmament was like the 1930s.
“We’re increasing our spend all over Europe on the military industrial complex. They’re absolutely championing the cause of the military industrial complex in Germany, as a booster for the economy.
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“Seems to me, there are some parallels with the ’30s. I don’t wish to depress you. There is hope. And we have voices. And we can use them.”
On Thursday night, Mr Allen said Ms Connolly was right to say that the current situation in Europe resembles the 1930s with Europe putting €800 billion into rearmament.
“Therefore I’m supporting somebody who is willing to say, ‘I’m for peace, I’m not going to normalise any drift towards war’,” he said.
Speaking at McGowan’s pub in Harold’s Cross at an event organised by her supporters in the Dublin Bay South constituency, Ms Connolly said Mr Allen had given the right figures.
“It’s impossible to keep the figures in your head as to what is going into the military industrial complex,” she said. “And of course, the various treaties in Europe forbid that the EU budget goes to the military industrial complex. So they have twisted language to say it is going for products, for productivity.
“Germany is revitalising its economy through the military industrial complex. We have everything to lose by joining the big boys and saying that war is the solution. War is not the solution.”
During a question-and-answers session, a woman who described herself as a Labour supporter, told Ms Connolly it was “utterly disingenuous” to compare the current situation in Europe to the 1930s.
“Russia invaded Ukraine. It has massacred people, it has displaced refugees all over the place. It is not going to stop,” the woman said.
“Germany and other countries who are facing the Russian threat are defending their people.”
Another man said Ms Connolly was “not strong enough” in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
She responded: “I have never once been equivocal in my condemnation of Russia invading Ukraine. I never, ever hesitated. What I have said is that a neutral country like ours should call out the abuse of power by anyone – by Russian and also by America.
“Should more efforts have been made to stop the slaughter in Ukraine? Yes. War is a stain on humanity.”
The man interjected: “Will you call for the withdrawal of the Russian military forces?”
She replied: “There should be an immediate ceasefire and there should be negotiations around Ukraine and Russia. It’s the exact same for Palestine and Israel.
“There has to be a stop to war. The military industrial complex is not the way to bring peace. The billions is at the cost of increasing poverty and the cost of making the world less safe.”
Ms Connolly said she had “no opinion” as a presidential candidate on whether or not a border poll should be held. “That’s up to the governments. I would love to see a united Ireland in my lifetime.”
The meeting in McGowan’s pub was compered by Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, Green Party councillor Carolyn Moore, Sinn Féin councillor Kourtney Kenny, Social Democrats councillor Cian Farrell and Mr Allen.
Mr Allen praised Ms Connolly for “having the courage to say that Hamas is part of Palestinian society”. He added: I do not agree with Hamas, but I do not think that Keir Starmer or Ursula von der Leyen is going to decide who is going to be the representative of the Palestinian people.”
[ Catherine Connolly’s Áras campaign stalls on thorny question of HamasOpens in new window ]
Germany is planning to double its defence spending over the next five years, with plans to invest almost €650 billion in largely European contracts and suppliers.
Under the measures agreed by the German government earlier this year, the country would hit Nato’s new defence spending target of 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2029.
