Security

Government ministers break protocol and criticise President Higgins over neutrality

Tánaiste’s comments follow a slew of criticism in relation to this week’s security forum from President Michael D Higgins

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin: “We have a responsibility to hold Russia to account, and to address the implications of its actions for the rules based international system”.

Government ministers have rejected criticisms from President Michael D Higgins about Ireland drifting dangerously in terms of foreign policy.

In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, the President issued a strongly worded warning about deviating from Ireland’s traditional policy of “positive neutrality”. He said the state is “playing with fire” during a dangerous period of “drift” in its foreign policy and must avoid “burying ourselves in other people’s agendas”.

Breaking the normal protocol of not ...