Irish neutrality has been a central plank of Dublin’s foreign policy almost since the foundation of the state - but is it time to re-examine it? 

A strong military tradition runs through Irish history; over the centuries, thousands joined rebel groups such the Fenians, Cumann na mBan or the IRA  to fight against British rule. Many more served crown and country in the British Armed Forces and a small number even joined loyalist groups dedicated to upholding the Union with Britain through paramilitary might. 

Troops from the Royal Irish Regiment of the British Army celebrate St Patrick's Day in Kuwait.

Last week Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told the Dáil that the war in Ukraine had persuaded him that Ireland should spend more on defence: 

“We make the assumption that even if we are attacked, the British and the Americans will come and save us anyway,” he said. 

"And I'm not sure that's the kind of assumption a sovereign country like ours should make".

Out on the streets of Dublin, Irish neutrality and the west’s decision not to intervene militarily in Ukraine provoked strong reactions: 

“I would punch Putin right in f***ing face,” one man told reporter Henry McKean. 

“It’s cowardly… It’s appeasement, it’s not standing up for what’s right.” 

However, not everyone was so gung-ho. Revulsion for Putin was universal but for one woman, sending troops overseas was a step too far: 

“Stay neutral to be honest with you,” she said. 

“It’s not fair sending men and women out to get killed. And he’s a madman. 

“He [Putin] is another Hitler. He’ll get what Saddam Hussein got and he’ll deserve it.” 

Crimea, 24th Feb, 2022. A column of army trucks approaches the Perekop checkpoint on the Ukrainian border. Picture by: Sergei Malgavko/TASS/Alamy Live News.

“Are we neutral?” another man pondered.

“Do we need to have a better infrastructure defensively, I think so. 

“We can’t depend on Britain or other countries to look after our shores or be threatened by a Russian mob that comes in to do training exercises… No, we should have a better defence system. 

“Should we be part of a European Army? Maybe.” 

Defence Forces soldiers from the 53rd Infantry Group undergoing mission readiness training in Glen of Imaal in preparation for the unit's deployment to the United Nations Interim Force Lebanon.

But whether Ireland stays neutral or not, one man strongly believed that only the Irish people themselves, not politicians in Leinster House, should have the final say: 

“We should have a referendum on whether we go neutral or not,” he said forcefully. 

And how would he vote? 

“I wouldn’t stay neutral anyway. No, I’d join NATO.”

Main image: Vladimir Putin