Protect Neutrality | Special Olympics | Dogs

Threat to Neutrality must be challengedLast June Micheál Martin, the then Taoiseach attacked the decades long neutrality policy of the Irish state. He claimed that; “We need to reflect on military non-alignment in Ireland and our military neutrality. We are not politically neutral …,”And Martin cast aside any pretence that the people should have a say in this when he said: “We don’t need a referendum to join NATO. That’s a policy decision of government.”Double standardsFor a brief time two weeks ago the horror of our 21st century coffin ships in the Mediterranean Sea caught the media headlines. A trawler filled to overflowing with desperate people sank off the coast of Greece. Over 500 people drowned. Many were trapped in the hold of the ship.It was the latest tragedy in a Sea that has become the most dangerous route for refugees fleeing violence, hunger and destitution in their own places. Then the story disappeared.Well Done Special OlympiansTeam Ireland has won 24 gold, 22 silver and 29 bronze medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. The Games were a great experience for all the athletes who competed.  They included 73 sportspeople from Ireland who  participated in 12 sports with outstanding successes. Well done to them all, to their supporters and families and to Special Olympics Ireland.An Ode to DogsOur oldest lad’s oldest lad loves dogs. So do his sisters especially the youngest one. She has a way with her when she is with her canine. Fiadh is her name. The dog that is, not the oldest lad’s oldest lad’s youngest sister.His dog is called Finn, although when they wrote his name out for his collar and some official forms they spelt it Fionn. The dog can’t read or write so he doesn’t know any difference. I prefer Fionn although I call him Finn, same as everyone else.