Mayo public meeting on threat to 'the triple lock'

Mayo Aontú TD Paul Lawless is hosting a public meeting on retaining the triple lock, as concerns grow over the government’s moves to weaken Ireland’s long-standing policy of military neutrality.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 15, at 7.30 p.m. in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar, and all are welcome to attend.

The Triple Lock ensures that any deployment of Irish troops overseas must be approved by the government, the Dáil, and a United Nations mandate.

It has been a vital safeguard of Ireland’s sovereignty and peacekeeping tradition.

However, recent government efforts to dismantle this mechanism have raised fears that Ireland could be pushed closer to military alliances and conflicts that do not serve the national interest.

Deputy Lawless is urging the public to stand up for neutrality before it is quietly eroded:

“The triple lock exists for a reason, to prevent any government from unilaterally committing Irish troops to foreign missions without democratic oversight.

"It is deeply concerning that the government is now working to remove this safeguard, despite the clear will of the Irish people to maintain our neutrality. We cannot allow this to happen.”

The event will feature guest speakers, including Aontú’s Castlebar local area representative Brian Conroy, a former member of the Defence Forces, who will bring first-hand insight into what the removal of the triple lock could mean for Ireland’s military personnel and neutrality.

The public meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion, questions, and action.

All are encouraged to attend and make their voices heard in the fight to defend Ireland’s neutrality and its’ international role in peacekeeping.