Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Deputy Pearse Doherty has reiterated his objection to Government plans for Ireland to participate in the PESCO EU Military Defence Project.
The Sinn Féin TD was the sole Donegal Deputy to vote against the proposal when it was voted on by the Dáil last week. Doherty said his vote against the project comes amid ongoing fears that the pact is simply another step towards the creation of an EU wide army.
Outlining his opposition to the plan, Deputy Doherty said: “The decision by Independent Alliance TDs and Fianna Fail to back Fine Gael’s plan for Ireland to join PESCO shows a flagrant disregard for Irish neutrality.
“The framework for PESCO is outlined in the Lisbon treaty however, despite the Taoiseach’s comments in the Dáil last week, the Irish people did not sign up for PESCO when they voted for the Lisbon treaty.
“In fact, as part of the treaty’s ratification, the constitution was amended to explicitly prohibit Irish participation in PESCO therefore Ireland cannot participate in European common defence.
“The Government has shown a complete disregard for our constitution, and has attempted to mislead people as to what PESCO is and what Ireland agreed to by ratifying the Lisbon treaty.
“The Irish people never agreed to PESCO in fact, the constitution was amended to specifically exclude Ireland from the pact.
“Furthermore, we’ve seen political figures from different EU member states over recent months openly hint at the possibility of this pact paving the way for an EU wide army – that is very concerning.
“I am proud and stand by my decision last week to vote against the motion, and I was the only Donegal TD to do so.
“By voting in favour of the plan, Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Independent Alliance have effectively signed off on Ireland’s participation in a military alliance which is aligned with and intended to compliment NATO.”
