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Cassells challenges F.G. candidates on neutrality commitments

Issued : Monday 31 May, 2004

Peter Cassells Labour candidate for the European Elections in the Ireland East Constituency has expressed concerns over what he calls Fine Gaels "gung ho" policies on European Defence and those of their European allies in the European Peoples Party. Speaking to party members in Tullamore he said "Although it is true to say that a lot of voters want to discuss local rather than European issues, one issue that has come up again and again on the doorsteps is Ireland's neutrality. People want to be reassured that Ireland will maintain its proud tradition of military neutrality, which has contributed to our role as a peacekeeper in the world and our standing in the United Nations. That neutrality has been compromised in the past by Ireland's on-again, off-again support for the war in Iraq, despite the overwhelming view of the Irish people to the contrary".

"I have to say, moreover, that there is also considerable concern at the fact that Fine Gael, in particular, has made a major shift in their policy in neutrality since the last European elections. Their policy document "Beyond Neutrality" indicates a movement towards mutual defence - effectively the ending of a policy of neutrality" he added.

"I think the people of Leinster should know that the European Peoples Party of which Fine Gael are members is committed to the following in their manifesto for the European elections

'The EU should speak with one voice on all key foreign and security matters. This includes making European Security and Defence Policy in close cooperation with NATO'

"I believe in a positive neutrality where we contribute to peacekeeping and crisis management as set out in the Petersberg tasks. However I believe the final decision on these operations should remain one for ourselves. I applaud the work of the defence forces and the Gardaí in missions throughout the world. I also believe that the UN must return to centre stage in the international arena and should be significantly reformed" he continued

"However it now appears Fine Gael are moving towards supporting a mutual defence pact. Their proposal of opting in to what are known as Article 5 commitments is not a runner. I believe we should work with the other non-aligned countries in the EU to co-ordinate our policies, as the Labour Party already does on a party to party level. I welcome the fact that they are stimulating a debate on the issue but I strongly disagree with their policy", he concluded.