Expelling Russian diplomats is breach of Irish neutrality

Ógra Shinn Féin has described the decision by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to expel a Russian diplomat as a flagrant disregard for Irish neutrality.  

A spokesperson for Ógra Shinn Féin said;

“The expulsion of Russian diplomats from Ireland operating as Russian intelligence officers is a more than suitable action to be pursued if they are behind the attack in England on Sergei and Yulia Skripal.

“In fact, regardless of this particular attack, diplomats of any country acting as spies should be expelled - from any State.

“We do however; need to see the evidence underpinning this decision. Simply citing ‘solidarity with Britain’ isn’t good enough.

“In this case, a decision has been based on information from a foreign security intelligence service, which is an unprecedented step. Essentially, we are being asked to trust Boris Johnson. 

“It is completely in line with the efforts of Fine Gael and your Government to undermine and dismantle that Neutrality.

“The government have pushed for a more militarised EU through your support for PESCO.

“As recently as the beginning of this month, four of Fine Gael’s MEPs published a document which seeks to tear up Ireland's military neutrality. This document proposes giving the Government the power to deploy Irish troops as part of military missions which do not have UN approval.

“The principles of Neutrality and independence have always been at the centre of Ireland’s foreign policy, and Irish people overwhelmingly support the continuation of this policy.

“An Taoiseach job is to defend and reinforce our neutrality. This must be enacted.”