Security

President’s son criticises ‘alarmist tone’ of security forum

Michael Higgins Jr says Ireland’s future security is ‘much better served by phone calls rather than fighter jets’

Michael Higgins Jr, son of Michael D. Higgins: “The reality is, Ireland is still one of the least threatened countries in the world. We are held in high regard internationally.” Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The son of Irish president Michael D Higgins has criticised the Government’s Consultative Forum on International Security Policy during its meeting at University of Galway.

Michael Higgins Jr, who worked at Ireland’s mission to the UN in New York, described the forum as having an “alarmist tone” and said the idea of peace had been omitted from discussions.

He told the forum that Ireland’s future security is “much better served by phone calls rather than ...