Big turn out for meeting on Irish neutrality in Laois

A public meeting on Irish neutrality was held in Portlaoise last Tuesday, May 26.

The meeting was led by Laois TD Brian Stanley and Senator Tom Clonan in the Portlaoise Parish Centre.

The meeting was held by Independent Republicans Laois in order to highlight what they say are the Government’s plans to change the longstanding policy of Irish neutrality and the Triple Lock policy which determines how Ireland deploys the Defense Forces abroad through UN and Government approval as well as a vote in the Dáil.

Joining Deputy Stanley for the meeting, Senator Clonan has experience serving as a Captain in the Defence Forces both at home and on international peace keeping missions. He has direct experience in armed conflict in the Middle East and former Yugoslavia.

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Sharing a video of the key parts of the meeting on social media, Deputy Stanley said: “The meeting was very well attended, and I want to sincerely thank everyone who came out on the night to engage with this vital national issue.”

Speaking at the meeting, Senator Clonan said he aimed to address the “myths” surrounding neutrality and how the Government is approaching potential changes to Ireland’s Triple Lock.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme