Irish Neutrality not for sale | Great to Get Out | Lá Fhéile Pádraig Faoi Mhaise Daoibhse

Irish Neutrality is not for saleThe Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to dominate the news agenda. Lines of tanks and armoured vehicles inexorably move toward Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Images of hospitals and family homes bombed and destroyed; of refugees, particularly children, the elderly and disabled, forcibly fleeing has led to a massive outpouring of solidarity. People want to help. Some provide food and clothing for shipping to Ukraine. Others offer to provide shelter for those refugees who make it to our shores. All very worthwhile and commendable.However, some in the political and media establishment in the South have cynically seized on the current crisis to argue for an end to Irish neutrality. Some media commentators have worked themselves up into a militaristic frenzy. They want the Irish government to sign up to a European Army and NATO. Great to Get Out.Now that the pandemic restrictions are eased it is great to get out and about again. Of course the pandemic hasn’t gone away so it is still important to take common sense precautions. This last week or so I have been galloping around book gigs in West Tyrone, South Armagh and County Down. The events are good fun. Relaxed discussions about books and writing. A few selected readings from Black Mountain and a chance to meet new friends and to catch up on old ones. Time for Presidential voting rightsAs readers will know citizens outside the southern state, including those in the North are denied the right to vote in elections to select the President of Ireland. This is despite support for this right by the current government. It is in the programme for government. It is also supported by a Constitutional Convention.Lá Fhéile Pádraig Faoi Mhaise Daoibhse.I was delighted to be in Downpatrick this week. A fine historical town forever connected with Saint Patrick. I was shot around this time in 1984. My Uncle Paddy died on St Patricks Day after visiting me in the hospital.