Referendum sought on Ireland's military neutrality

Sinn Féin's Councillor Noel Connell is calling for a referendum on Irish neutrality, amid growing political controversy surrounding Government proposals to change the Triple Lock mechanism governing overseas deployments of Irish Defence Forces personnel.

Under the existing arrangement, deployments involving more than 12 personnel require Government approval, Dáil approval and United Nations authorisation. The Government argues that removing the UN Security Council requirement would prevent individual permanent members from blocking Irish participation in international peacekeeping missions.

The controversy intensified in October 2026 when legislation to remove the Triple Lock passed its second-stage Dáil vote by 79 votes to 71. Opposition representatives renewed calls for a referendum.

His demand for a referendum is set out in a motion set to go before a meeting of Cavan County Council next week, Monday, November 9.