Neutrality Roadshow travels to Cavan this evening

The Cavan branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign are hosting The Neutrality Roadshow in Cavan this evening.

The Neutrality Roadshow is travelling around Ireland hosting conversations with communities on the "importance" of preserving Irish neutrality.

Speakers tonight will be Niamh Ní Bhriain and Fionn Wallace.

Niamh Ní Bhriain coordinates Transnational Institute's War and Pacification programme, which focuses on the permanent state of war and pacification of resistance.

She holds a Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law from the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG).

Fionn Wallace is a former parliamentary researcher and speech writer. He holds a Bachelor Degree in History and Philosophy and a Masters Degree in Philosophy.

"Neutrality has allowed Ireland to be a bridge-builder. It gives us credibility when we mediate, when we support disarmament, and when we champion global development. It means we are not viewed through the lens of geopolitical rivalry, but rather as a nation committed to dialogue for justice, and peace," organisers of the roadshow stated.

The Triple Lock is a legislative device that, since 2001, has required a United Nations' mandate along with a Dáil and Government decision before more than 12 members of the Defence Forces are deployed overseas.

Speaking to the Celt in March, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs said he put forward legislation to “amend” it.

“I passionately believe in military neutrality but I don't believe it's right that members of the UN Security Council, the likes of Russia, can have a veto on where we send our peacekeepers.

“We do have to accept that we live in a reality now where Russia are permanent members of the Security Council as are other countries.

“At the moment that effectively means they can veto where we send peacekeepers. I think we need to modify that.”

The Tánaiste said he would “never support” giving up neutrality.

“Military neutrality I think is something Irish people really value and something I very much value too," he said.

The Neutrality Roadshow will take place in the Hotel Kilmore tonight (May 26) at 7pm. Hosted by the Cavan Brand of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the event is free to attend.