Does Ireland's neutrality leave room for increased defence spending?

Does Ireland's neutrality leave room for increased defence spending?

The appearance of drones of unknown origin in Dublin last week around the time of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit again highlighted the security challenges of the present day and Ireland's lack of capability to act in its own defence.


Neutrality remains a popular policy, as again demonstrated recently by the election of Catherine Connolly as president. That popularity does not answer the question of how much Ireland should invest in its own defence. Ireland diverges from other neutral European countries in our low defence spending and reliance on others for protection, information and security. But against those calling for bigger defence budgets, others warn of militarisation and point out the money could be better spent elsewhere.


So does being a voice for peace preclude greater defence spending, or is defence spending a crucial part of a viable neutrality? On today's podcast Hugh is joined by Naomi O'Leary to pick apart the elements of Ireland's approach to defence and neutrality, how we compare to others and what questions will arise as Ireland comes under increasing pressure in Europe to boost capabilities.

Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jaksot(1008)

Can the Government hold Elon Musk and Grok to account?

Can the Government hold Elon Musk and Grok to account?

Harry McGee, Ellen Coyne and Mark Paul join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The Minister with responsibility for artificial intelligence (AI), Niamh Smyth, met with executive...

16 Tammi 53min

Will global turmoil matter to Irish politics in 2026?

Will global turmoil matter to Irish politics in 2026?

Despite global turmoil, the focus of Irish politics in 2026 is set to remain on matters close to home. Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh to identify the main challenges facing the Government t...

14 Tammi 46min

How do Greenlanders feel about Trump's 'psychologically needed' takeover?

How do Greenlanders feel about Trump's 'psychologically needed' takeover?

US president Donald Trump wants to acquire Greenland, asserting strategic and security needs but also a 'psychological need' to take over the vast, frozen island from Denmark. So how do Greenlanders t...

12 Tammi 22min

Could Coalition politics hurt Ireland’s influence in Brussels?

Could Coalition politics hurt Ireland’s influence in Brussels?

Jack Horgan-Jones and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The long-anticipated EU-Mercosur trade deal was provisionally approved on Friday, despite the oppositio...

9 Tammi 52min

Venezuela has “emboldened” Trump. Here’s what it means for the world

Venezuela has “emboldened” Trump. Here’s what it means for the world

After the weekend’s US airstrikes on Venezuela, and arrest of its president Nicolás Maduro by US special forces, The Irish Times’ China Correspondent Denis Staunton has been pondering what it means fo...

7 Tammi 40min

What are the chances of a border poll in the next ten years?

What are the chances of a border poll in the next ten years?

For part two of our festive ‘Ask Me Anything’ episode Hugh Linehan is joined on today’s Inside Politics podcast by Jack Horgan Jones, Cormac McQuinn and Ellen Coyne. In this round they tackle listener...

31 Joulu 202534min

Is there any such thing as a political genius? With Helen Lewis

Is there any such thing as a political genius? With Helen Lewis

This episode was first published in July 2025. You can tell an awful lot about a society by who it labels a genius. You can also learn from who it excludes from that category, who it enables and what ...

29 Joulu 202539min

Ask us anything: presidential nominations, a Minister for Defence and the centre holding

Ask us anything: presidential nominations, a Minister for Defence and the centre holding

Hugh is joined by Jack Horgan Jones, Cormac McQuinn and Ellen Coyne for part one of our traditional festive AMA. This year listeners asked about the presidential nomination process, the influence of p...

24 Joulu 202526min

Suosittua kategoriassa Politiikka ja uutiset

uutiscast
aikalisa
politiikan-puskaradio
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
rss-pinnalla
tervo-halme
rss-vaalirankkurit-podcast
rss-podme-livebox
aihe
rss-asiastudio
the-ulkopolitist
rss-tasta-on-kyse-ivan-puopolo-verkkouutiset
rss-girls-finish-f1rst
otetaan-yhdet
et-sa-noin-voi-sanoo-esittaa
rss-50100-podcast
rss-polikulaari-pitka-kiekko-ja-muut-ts-podcastit
rss-ulkopoditiikkaa
rss-kaikki-uusiksi