Should Ireland Join NATO?

[@_Saracen_]

As an Irish person I'm automatically obligated to watch this video, whether I'm interested in the topic or not, that's the unspoken rule here.

[@MoGumboFukUTubeForChngngMyName]

Because someone’s talking about you without the words “potato” or “drunk” being within the first ten words of the first sentence?

[@stop-the-greed]

So true

[@rogeebear10023]

And laugh at the pronunciations of the Gardaí (I'd love to see how Simon would pronounce the "Síochána"...😂), The Dáil and Míchael 😂

[@stop-the-greed]

@@rogeebear10023 Liz truss met a tea sock

[@69-Bot]

As an Irish-American I feel the same way😂😂

[@cianmartin4245]

This video told me more about my country’s military capabilities than anything I’ve come across.

[@mbukukanyau]

Totally non-existent capabilities. Tanzania 🇹🇿 has a better defense. Ireland really needs to Let the United States park two carrier groups in its waters Give them a home base. And have more children. If you don't have teenagers, you haveno one to recruit into your defense forces. You could always hire Wagner thugs.

[@TheSwedishHistorian]

pretty telling

[@hullandras]

Yeah how Ireland is Not capable to defend itself

[@marcdavis4509]

@@hullandrast’s neutral, on the far west of Europe, has no enemies and is stable politically. They have good relations with the UK. They really need to protect its interests concerning fishing and drug interdiction.

[@kurousagi8155]

@@marcdavis4509if Ireland wants to remain neutral, it needs to be stronger to defend its immediate interests.

[@paulcurry1481]

As a former reserve army officer, I can only confirm that successive Irish goverments have ran the Defence Forces into the gtound.

[@hansstofberg43]

Well yes that is true but a small nation no matter what army they have can never win a war with a big well equipped nation . We tend to think that nobody is intersted in Ireland . Ireland can be used as a stepping stone to the UK .

[@hjpc73]

from 0 to negative? operation armagedon would have showed that if you had the balls to do it

[@Prometheus4096]

NATO isn't about defense spending. Ireland is an island. Your only direct enemy is the UK. Which is already in NATO. Your chief worry is uniting the island or Ireland. Once Ireland is united, it can easily join NATO and work towards a common foreign policy. Either with the EU, or with NATO itself. When your prime national security concern is that part of your nation is occupied by the UK, any other issue is minor.

[@ajarms86]

As true as that statement is (and it is absolutely true that our defence forces are woefully under funded) in no way should we ever be seriously considering undoing a neutrality, not only is it one of our defining attributes as a country it is absolutely the right stance from a moral conscientious perspective.

[@michaeldavison9808]

Since they were negligible to begin with, Ireland must be worried about another Viking invasion - I'd put money on Iceland if they gave it a go.

[@user-ze8jl3dv1j]

"Far from any hostile neighbours" - spoken like a true Brit.

[@PhoeniX199777]

Spoken like a person from the country defending irelands airspace

[@user-ze8jl3dv1j]

@@PhoeniX199777 If Ireland wasn't there the Brits would still be flying the same defensive patterns... they'd still have a west coast to defend

[@inbb510]

Why would the UK invade all of Ireland? What do they have to gain other than pissing off 3 million Irish people?

[@JohnWick-stardawg]

​@@user-ze8jl3dv1j yeah because the brits are our enemies these days and definitely not our own government who are currently importing tens of thousands economic migrants and bringing in hate speech laws to silent those who dare question the economic migrants flooding our understaffed hospitals and our lack of housing for our own people. Imagine being so backwards that you think the"brits" are the problem. Nah its people like you whos the problem. Dont forget your Palestinian flag

[@robertscahill7987]

@@user-ze8jl3dv1j what a helmet

[@kdubbsthe3rd]

I like your quote on neutrality: "In order to work, neutrality has to be universally agreed upon."

[@longtabsigo]

Ask the Dutch, they learned the hard way in WW2 that just because you label yourself as neutral, it only works out if the nation on your border decides to allow you to remain so. Likewise, even though Norway and Denmark had declared their neutrality, the Germans decided that they would recognize their neutrality simply by occupying them.

[@ErenYega747]

@@longtabsigothat being said, the common denominator for all that happening was Germany and not the principle of neutrality itself. Switzerland was neutral for centuries for almost every war waged around them. Their tactic was however not just neutrality but *armed* neutrality. If those occupied countries by Germany had been a bit more armed as well as neutral things may be different.

[@usonumabeach300]

The USSR wasn't big on recognizing neutrality even well before the Cold War and even its entry into World War 2. Fascist Italy and Imperial Japan weren't either. Currently China and Russia aren't.

[@kdubbsthe3rd]

@@longtabsigo True. I also can't help but remember the debacle in Rwanda some 50 years later. In one particular horror story I heard a bunch of mostly European aid workers at an orphanage in Kigali got surrounded by the militia. The workers pleaded their neutrality... just to watch as the Interahamwe machete'd some 300 orphan kids in front of them. It was damn foolish of them to think they could stay neural during a genocide.

[@atix50]

Nope. No agreement or vote is required. Constitutionally. We've a history of occupation and suffering at the hands of a superpower. Do we want a replay?

[@irishlebvet]

As an Irishman, I have learned so much from this highly detailed report. Thank you Warographics.

[@SH-jv4vb]

You've learned f all then

[@mrkeego1769]

@@SH-jv4vb How would he have learned 'f all'? Did you fall asleep for 22 minutes?

[@RobertDooley-sl7cp]

It's warmongering. There is no risk, its just another Brit talking about a potential problem. They put their noses where they don't belong. There is no point and its a waste of revenues. There is zero reason to attack Ireland and frankly, it makes no sense. You don't want to live in a fear based country which is what tgis would create. Simon needs to stfu

[@irishlebvet]

@@mrkeego1769 Thank you for support to my comment. Fair play to you friend. As a retired Irish Soldier, who served on Peacekeeping Missions in the 80s and 90s, I was never appraised of Ireland's vulnerabilities. This video was an eye opener.

[@demurch0]

May I suggest Jeffrey Sachs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIewn5mEeLh6qrM

[@rich4469]

For the curious: LIDAR can be thought of as the halfway point between sonar and radar. It's great for surveying shorelines and shallow waters. It's what makes the aforementioned bathymetric maps, and those maps can be done fairly regularly (as needed) and compared rather quickly to determine changes in the landscape. This is useful both for detecting environmental issues as well as human interactions.

[@philipmulville8218]

Thanks, Simon. I appreciate the time and effort you put in to produce this excellent video. 🇮🇪

[@user-ze8jl3dv1j]

LOL

[@user-ze8jl3dv1j]

think for a minute.... if Ireland wasn't there would Britain still defend it's west coast in the same way?... urm, yes. If Russia invaded Ireland, you really think that the first thing that would happen is Britain coming running in to defend us???? OMFG, Britain only ever acts in defence of the establishment and it's own interest. I shouldn't have to explain this to an Irish person. Please give me ONE example in history where Britain has 'Defended' Ireland?

[@satanicmicrochipv5656]

Get your sh!t together, Ireland.

[@inbb510]

​@@user-ze8jl3dv1j, grow up.

[@davyjones1335]

"that would turn the emerald isle into a shiny green porcupine" that made my laugh thanks simon and team.

[@toyotaprius79]

C'mon That got a laugh?

[@EBJMM]

As an irish man. I don't agree with nato or giving up our neutrality, but I would like a complete overhaul of our defence force and to invest heavily in it

[@beeret110]

Against who. Ireland are importing an African/ NATO army right now. Pockets of soldiers planted all over Co Clare etc all ready to arm up as soon as Mihole fingers Martin gives the go ahead Their called refugees. Miholes Army! Jesus help us. Balloxes are everywhere

[@EBJMM]

@@davidalvarez9312 I'd rather not have to rely on others to defend us

[@DZGuymed]

@@davidalvarez9312there’s no way US/UK would defend Ireland in a theater scale war without occupying it.

[@Füllerson]

Simple fact that Ireland could be used to send a message or distract other nations efforts is a big deal tbh, the Irish government is being as irresponsible as they could be as usual.

[@apjpisared]

That's what Senator Tom Clonan has been saying for 2-3 years already too.

[@nate6160]

An Ireland with full Spectrum defense capability, A neutral country so highly armed that no one would ever dare to "fuck" with its Neutrality!!! God I love you Simon!!!

[@ungainlytitan1460]

@@confusedoilpainter3294 Unfortunately this is not really true any longer, i it ever was. Geography has value also.

[@ungainlytitan1460]

i would agree, but getting a political consensus on this will be a job.

[@LeMerch]

@@confusedoilpainter3294I take it you didn’t even watch the video. Dumb commenter.

[@DeafLord18]

@@confusedoilpainter3294Ireland may not have resource value but plenty of countries in Africa near strategic locations have huge tactical value. Irelands position from a military standpoint gives plenty of ports and coats advantages plus access to the ocean. Both huge goals of the Russians. Without a alliance Ireland would be Ukraine 2.0. Sanctions and gear but nothing else. That is worst case and the least likely scenario in my mind but it’s still a question that Ireland needs to answer.

[@IWillYeah]

@@DeafLord18 ??? We have vast gas and oil fields. Almost half a trillion cubic feet of gas.

[@davedooney8473]

To be fair Ireland's work as peacekeepers under the UN has been fantastic, due to our neutrality and history of being occupied we are very diplomatic on the ground in tense countries and generate a lot of goodwill working with local communities. What Simon didn't mention is where all this NATO talk started is that due to our triple lock Russia as a UN member can now veto any Irish army deployment abroad - that set off a lot of alarm bells. I'm surprised he skipped over the story of Irish fishermen (not navy) forcing the Russian navy to move their drills away from the island! I'm pretty sure Ireland's whole defense policy is based on us not being large enough to fight off any major invasion (so why bother) and if we were invaded the UK and USA would have our back, all it takes is for one enemy missile to land in Northern Ireland and that's an attack on a NATO member plus EU armies would see an Ireland invasion as just a staging ground for a larger EU invasion.

[@ClearPathBeats]

What are u talking about the Uk been fucking Ireland for years they are to Ireland what Russia is the Ukraine

[@jamessheerin121]

The Irish navy stopping the Russians thing is complete bullshit

[@TheThundertaker]

There are plenty of small countries within NATO that couldn't fight off Russia alone either, but the point is to do your bit in the common interest. Ireland can probably get away with it in national security terms because the rest of NATO, and especially the UK could not afford to allow Ireland to be attacked but the fact that we would have to dedicate resources that might be better deployed elsewhere because Ireland cannot be bothered to spend enough on defence means that Ireland does not deserve to be taken seriously by the rest of the world while it takes zero responsibility for protecting itself, never mind regional security.

[@AJ_real]

@@TheThundertaker no one in Ireland wants England to defend Ireland given it still illegally occupies the northern part of the island. If Russia is to attack anyone, they'll attack England. England doesn't have the capability to defend itself according to latest intelligence reports, so any country with a big enough military could take over England.

[@boomgoesdynamite4177]

Lol really? Irish peacekeepers literally babysat Hezbollah turn Lebanon into a missile factory. Even caught colluding with jihadists... Irish virtue signal but they're useless.

[@oriain]

After decades of underinvestment and neglect in our defence capabilities, the chickens have most certainly come home to roost. I'm on the fence about whether to remain militarily neutral, but at a minimum we have to be able to defend ourselves.

[@Bdbtg28691]

That is how I view it. We must be able to defend ourselves and our neutrality.

[@eisirt55]

I think we should be in NATO but if we are neutral we should be able to defend ourselves or at least monitor our air space and national waters .

[@C05597641]

Defend ourselves from who exactly?

[@punkrocker6431]

@@eisirt55 nato aren't the good guys they are made out to be. They have there own self interest and any time they go to war Ireland will be obliged to help even if the population disagree with it. It's maddening that an Irish Republic would ever stoop so low as to join that disgraceful band of war mongerers. Irelands patriot dead would be spinning in there grave

[@MJ-cv5ye]

"Under investment"🙄 calm down there mate. You've been reading a bit too much of Matt Carthys propaganda press releases on the parties web page it seems. It was never intended as a military. It was ALWAYS a "Defense force" & used as such. It was essentially there to only be sent on UN missions to promote our diplomatic efforts which was our primary strategy of defense as well as to keep the Provo facists from trying to stage coups down the decades. For those purposes it was prefectly well funded. If it had ever truely been intended as a "military" in the conventional sense post civil war. You'd have a point. Considering it wasnt. Its cynical & manipulative to pretend it was umder invested or "neglected" when the rule of the game changed over night in 2022 with Russias disregard of the post WW2 rules based order upon which Irelands actual unconventional pacifist defense strategy was predicated. It worked very very well till it didnt. Its easy to look back in 2020 hind sight right after someone flipped over the game board & pretend you knew someone would tip the board over in a tantrum & render our prior strategy ineffective. First move in increasing investment is to shift political position. To join NATO or at least move away from the alternative of "neutrality" via playing possum. Which post Ukraine would be idiotic insanity as exclusively diplomatic gaming of the system is no longer possible. Dont pretend they can or could have poured billions into a modern military with teeth capable of deterring anyone seriously when Irish public zeitgeist is to equate neutrality with having no military capacity. People want houses & wanted their poor decisions on what cowboy builders put mica in their houses & wanted their over borrowing during the celtic tiger compensated & didnt want to even shell out to have all the leaky pipes fixed. Dont pretend people during the pandemic or multiple economic collapses or good times of celtic tiger wanted, cared about or would have put up with billions being put into a military which had no war to fight in europe. Its rubbish revisionism to pretend otherwise

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:05 - Chapter 1 - Public divisions 5:10 - Chapter 2 - A history of (non) violence 9:35 - Chapter 3 - Digital terror 13:10 - Chapter 4 - A ticking time bomb 17:10 - Chapter 5 - The fighting irish - Chapter 6 -

[@bigmike9128]

Thanks

[@cajohnson1234]

Love how you put “a history of non violence”. Then put the fighting Irish just underneath it!

[@dairemgr]

There is absolutely no chance Ireland will join NATO. We should however, have a functioning military to protect our neutrality.

[@hannibalmanson1973]

You have the UK protecting you really. It's just kind of a silent agreement.

[@CriticalMyth]

Yeah bro fucking dw I'm sure our 2 small naval ships and 5 20 year out of date planes will save us😂

[@FerdarPleaseSubscribe]

We had a bicycle division

[@izune]

​@@CriticalMyth Ireland will never ever join NATO. Although it will start spending more on defense in the next few years.

[@CriticalMyth]

@@izune better be cuz its a fuckin joke of an army rn

[@ElTubeo1515]

The Gripen is a great fighter jet design concept for small countries with small military budgets who need to maintain some sort of air intercept capability with a very small support needs (it was designed to be able to operate from highways with a ground crew of 8 people and a few trucks).

[@theformalmooshroom9147]

Perhaps we could also get some patriots like Ukraine

[@theformalmooshroom9147]

That and some some of those swedish diesel electric submarines

[@0618306]

@@theformalmooshroom9147 Yeah, I picked up a couple of those in IKEA last week. Very useful.

[@brendanjburns2969]

We can just about afford the funds and fuel ⛽️ to train pilots on the PC9s , Gripping 😂😂😂😂,

[@fitzstv8506]

Ireland is far better financially positioned than most other countries to afford expenditure on it's military but chooses instead to spend the money on unimportant things like education etc!

[@bennyhealy3324]

detailed, informative and comical. nicely done Simon.

[@norahc.]

Agreed, although I wss caught off guard by the uncensored f-bomb. He's studiously avoided using it before (Moskva video) that using in it in this vid really helped drive the point home.

[@sameira1819]

OMG. This is quite scary. I'm an Irish person & knew our national defence was lacking, but christ, I had no idea it was that bad. Jaw dropping.

[@mytaroboy]

..why you got lucky your next to UK...

[@AdamOBrien29]

It's extremely common knowledge our military is dirt

[@HandsomeDanVacationRentals]

Ireland is the Canada of that part of the world. Bad military but safe because of where they are and who their neighbours are.

[@finger3306]

​@@mytaroboy tbf the vast majority of irish people doubt the uk would bother to defend us should anything drastic occur to our pretty tiny island lol obviously the uk wouldn't just sit there and do nothing, just grudges are something 99% of irish dont let go of, even when it doesn't directly involve them or happen to them😂

[@puckf17]

Who is attacking you?

[@brian_or9732]

I finished secondary school in 2016 and had applied for a place in the maritime college in either Marine Electrotechnology or Marine Engineering (you could go to the navy once completing these courses). I only found out after my applications were unsuccessful that for the whole Country there was only 20 spaces each. No wonder we are experiencing such shortages in skilled recruits.

[@brian_or9732]

@@funnyflix895 there would be a mixture of people who do their qualifications through the army and people who go into the maritime college. Normally, the people who go straight to the Maritime college are cherry picked for the Navy, if they are interested. It is just a case of putting them through all fitness and aptitude tests then.

[@agentm13]

@@funnyflix895nah join the us navy and be a fully real sailor

[@darkmatter9643]

As someone who aspires to join the Irish naval service (god knows why), I knew this but it still makes me anxious whenever I see this

[@gloin10]

@@funnyflix895 "the rich, the sons of gardai, politicians nephews..."? It is safe to say that your knowledge of Irish society could be written on the white part of the stamp in between the perforations... "Just join the Royal Navy and learn to be a REAL sailor!"? Yeah, right..... Back in reality, the Irish Naval Service is a high professional, highly trained organisation. The people in it are polyvalent, as in trained for multiple roles.

[@ryan-xq6ho]

​@darkmatter9643 look into coast gaurd instead, far more flexible and better pay

[@Beanbag777]

Absolutely cracking video and so well researched. Everyone in this country needs to watch this

[@SGC90-t5y]

It's propaganda.

[@Beanbag777]

@@SGC90-t5y isn’t everything

[@SGC90-t5y]

@@Beanbag777 it's pro NATO propaganda from a posh Englishman speculating about Irish neutrality. Don't listen to that bollox, he has no credentials to talk about such a serious matter. He's just a content creator. He can't even get the pronunciations right. A fraud.

[@michaeldavison9808]

No, YOUR reply is propaganda.@@SGC90-t5y

[@razorburn645]

​@@SGC90-t5yHave anything to back that up?

[@limmeh7881]

I’ll probably edit this comment post-watch, but as someone who’s aspiring to join the Reserves, my thoughts; - Ireland is an island which is a major advantage in terms of defense. Diplomatically, we’ve good relations with our neighbours and the continent. - Taking inspiration from pre-NATO Finland, we should have a large and capable reserve force. - Taking inspiration from Switzerland, we could make a hypothetical invasion so costly that it’d not be worth it. I’ve seen the “emerald porcupine” in comments, so sure, that can be the metaphor. - Obviously, more money needs to be invested, not just to purchase quality equipment, but to pay our personnel properly. I know of a few former PDF members and Rangers that retired due to pay issues. - Assuming that we have a budget, the “emerald porcupine “ would most likely have a strong focus on air and naval capabilities, first and foremost. Capable mobile infantry would also be desirable - its a small enough country, so it’s possible to go from one side to the other in a few hours. - Ireland should always stay out of NATO in my own opinion. We can pursue our “emerald porcupine” doctrines independently. The world could use a neutral country without any agendas also. === I’d support the highest tier of spending mentioned in the video. You don’t know how fucked you really are until it’s too late. Perhaps it’s a good idea to ease into it, but we’re always notoriously inefficient… Learned a lot from this, mostly how clueless I am…

[@claytonberg721]

Ireland has a population of 5 million. Canada by comparison has some 37 million. These huge militarys end up being entities in and of themselves as whole industries and sections of society end up relying on them. because of that they end up exerting great political will and will often invent reasons for their own necessity. As such I don't think it's advantageous more countries to create these large armies. For example America has spent something like 3/4's of Ireland's GDP on supercarriers. There are huge swaths of american society that depend on the world being an unsafe place, so they will lobby for it to be an unsafe place, whether it is or not. We have seen the stakeholders of the military invent reasons to go to war. As a Canadian we are a much larger country, by both size and population. We need to spend a fair amount on a navy and airforce. Whether ireland is in nato or not I don't mind if the Canadian navy helps keep those communication lines safe. It's in our interest to keep them safe. Ireland having a large army wouldn't make Ireland a safer place, nor would it make the world a safer place. We should be a global community. The UK, the US and Canada should be happy to help keep ireland's coastline safe, and thus global communication safe. We're supposed to all be friends anyway. Ireland is a nice place, with a good economy and low unemployment rate. It is glaring that Ireland doesn't have robust cyber security though. That's like me trying to explain to my mom why she should have a number and a symbol in her bank password.

[@eisirt55]

I was part of the reserve in the '70's . I agree with you 100%.

[@yoironfistbro8128]

You support the highest tier? You do know all our public services are in absolute ruin WITHOUT having to deal with getting less spending due to fortification.

[@wynbrown5985]

Ireland 🇮🇪 should STAY OUT of NATO.

[@Makofueled]

@@claytonberg721 The only increase I agree with in this video is the increase in cyber security. If for no other reason than the entire economy is built of a house of cards of multinationals.

[@glennedgar7742]

Ireland allow US military aircraft to use its runways, Moscow have already labelled it a target.

[@DoninicGoland96]

if Moscow are struggling against their neighbours starting a war across a continent won't work out for them

[@oisinmtom]

Russia has also been allowed to use irish runways in the past.

[@unoriginalname4321]

All the more reason to join NATO. Of course, russia sees Ireland as a target regardless of what they do.

[@Lorenz1973]

⁠@@oisinmtomWhen did Russian military aircrafts use Irish airports/ airbases? For what purpose?!? Are you really trying to imply that Russian airforce regularly using Irish airports/ airbases for their own military purposes would be remotely acceptable? And without consequences?

[@BigNorm69]

@@oisinmtom I didn't know that I always assumed it was just the US and the Brits.

[@nHans]

The P50 ship that you showed at 19:11 - the *INS Sukanya* - belongs to the *INDIAN Naval Service.* Yeah, I know, many countries have names beginning with "I". However, the ships of the Irish Naval Service are prefixed-not "INS"-but *"LÉ,"* which stands for *"Long Éireannach,"* meaning "Irish Ship."

[@dazza4345]

Yes.Ireland has in the P50 class .The le roisin P51 and le Niamh P52.

[@EdMcF1]

Yes, but at a distance, the flags could be confused.

[@Whoami691]

I'm British and if Ireland ever got attacked you can bet we would be there to hep them. They are from this small soggy group of islands off the coast of Europe, so that makes them one of us, and we stick together. They might not like us all that much, but the past is the past. We need to stop looking backwards and start looking forwards. They are our friends now and I feel a kinship with them even if they do not feel the same way.

[@frankfinnsweenryan]

Would Nigel Farage have their back vs Russia?

[@Whoami691]

@@frankfinnsweenryan probably. But try and twist it a bit more why don't you.

[@frankfinnsweenryan]

@@Whoami691 I'm not trying to twist anything, I just don't think Ireland can full-stop count the UK or US, and that breaks my heart.

[@Whoami691]

@@frankfinnsweenryanit already does. British Forces patrol and deter threats in irish waters.

[@thesenate1844]

There is no way in a million years the British public would ever side with Russia over Ireland. The UK already overwhelmingly supports Ukraine, and Ireland is among our closest neighbours culturally and geographically with many mixed families from both. Similar to the relationship between the US and Canada

[@matthewlynch9331]

I'm less of an ardent neutraility defender than most people in Ireland but most people I know are pro neutrality. Saying that, conversations are now being had that were once unheard of

[@yoloswaggins7121]

Yeah I don't think we should join NATO but I don't really care. At the end of the day it won't really change much.

[@imnotyourfriendbuddy1883]

you just said absolutely nothing with those words.

[@jimmyryan5880]

​@@imnotyourfriendbuddy1883there isn't much to dumb down but let me try. Most Irish people want Ireland to be neutral. Ops isn't as strongly for neutrality as most people. People are currently discussing neutrality more and more, meaning it's not as set in stone as it used to be.

[@imnotyourfriendbuddy1883]

@@jimmyryan5880 I didn't need it dumbed down, I needed it smartened up. All you have said is there is a political argument in Ireland. Who'da thunk it eh?

[@THE-X-Force]

Being neutral doesn't mean being weak. Switzerland managed to be be neutral and fairly formidable, for example. Leaving yourself at the mercy of Russian warships, sailing through your waters with impunity and undeterred, is a recipe for disaster, and no one in Ireland should tolerate such a vulnerability and violation of your sacred sovereign territory.

[@IrishInsomniac76]

I am Irish and I thank you for this education of my home country's defensive state and the new threats of which I was previously under informed. This video has changed my view on our defence stance and associated spending and military priority.

[@diorocks5858]

we would be no worse of then if the Russians took over at least that's the case in Ingland

[@mishmashmixer]

@Irishinsomniac ... 6 cables only, and we have starlink already, Oneweb, project Kyper coming on stream also, plenty of satellite links ....who gets hurt if these sub sea cables get cut by the Russians ? Tiktok, Facebook, Google....us Irish , we'll be totally fine. So you think we should give up our neutrality and send Irish young people to defends Facebooks bottom line? Remember as well that 2-3 of these cables are down for repairs during any year. NATO was incapable of defending the Nordstream ...and that was it its own backyard

[@fieldagentryan]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZC3iJiumdGCqcU&pp=ygUNbmVtc2lzIGZpbGVzIA%3D%3D

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

see from a fellow Irishman 2 things can be true at once 1 we need to spend more On National Defense 2 that spending on National Defense does not and should not be designed to join NATO one day it should be solely strengthening our military on our Island

[@markpalmer8083]

Defence. It's a French word and has got a 'c' in it. Where did you learn to spell?

[@69-Bot]

I don’t know about Ireland joining NATO, but they should most definitely expand their military. They have shown to produce a great Tier 1 SF unit called ARW. Some of the best snipers in the world come out of that unit. They need better funding and more manpower, it would be hard since taxes in Ireland are already high, but I’m sure they could divert some money, especially in a time it seems we’re on the brink of WW3.

[@celticacab9867]

Was hoping someone would point that out, our Ranger Wing is top tier, and with extra funding for better equipment and better training/pay, we could definitely be a well respected fighting force, while maintaining our neutrality.

[@tomtomftube]

i would much prefer if the Irish government built affordable houses and brought in measures to deliver affordable rents

[@johnmoorefilm]

The Irish military has just this week launched a recruitment drive

[@pablom-f8762]

​@@tomtomftubean undefended/vulnerable country does not attract investors.

[@tomtomftube]

@@pablom-f8762 fuck investors, every self respecting country should focus on building from within , harnessing whatever natural resources and workforce from it's own population

[@gypsycob1351]

thank you from Dublin, for opening my eyes and changing my mind on defence spending

[@Roycon14]

Great video even with some interesting pronunciation! Very educational. Irish myself and I would wager you'd have mass protest on a scale never seen here before if neutrality was seriously under threat. Lack of military funding seems to have been almost deliberate by consistent FF/FG led governments. Same problem we have in our current historic housing crisis. FF/FG goverments cannot plan long term or refuse to do so, only react to problems well after the fact for short term political gain. They are about to be decimated in the next election (just over a year away, possibly sooner) so doubt any NATO or neutrality proposals will be made by them. The same ministers you mention are all the ones who have neglected our military for decades. Any request by them to give up neutrality is largely met with scorn or ridicule here. The military pay is borderline on the poverty line and Michael Martin/Simon Coveney and co designed it that way leading to this issue. Personally I suspect they both very much want to join NATO to save their own shortcomings. Evident in choosing the option of raising the budget from 1.2 to 1.5 billion euros! The cheap option. In summary this FF/FG government coalition has lost its mandate (they don't even have a majority together and rely on independent TDs to pass legislation). They used to be their biggest rivals before being forced to team up due to a massive drop in support. When I was a child (10 years ago) they could form government alone or with a small partner. Many in Ireland will view NATO talk as a talking point to try and save themselves in the upcoming election (rightly or wrongly). Either way don't expect any of their proposals to be supported by the majority of the Irish people unless there is a an actual attack by Russia for them to rally on.

[@mishmashmixer]

Well said Roy, good synopsis .

[@kenjohnjbyrne7783]

We were never neutral in WW1 for obvious reasons and certainly only Neutral on the Allied side. Sending intel on axis flights over Ireland. Over 80,000 irish born men and women fought against the axis and approx 5k to 10k were killed in action. Had Hitler invaded the UK we were certainly next and it was very close indeed. Neutrality is a lovely idea but it wont stop a nation bent on war from attacking us. Iand nany like me want protection from Nato. We wanted protection when at war in the war if Independence from Britain. We are all friends now but do you honestly think Russia would think us untouchable. Russia kills innocent civilians destroy infrastructure at a moments notice. Eukraine has to fight an aggression otherwise if Russia is victorious they will only kill more civilians to punish them further. Remember Stalin caused a brutally cruel famine in Eukraine and murdered more than Hitler and despised Jews so much so he imprisoned and or murdered Jewish doctors to a point when he had a stroke there were no doctors to help him. Joining Nato dies not cause wars it prevents them. As a proud Irishman I do not want to depend on others ee need to be accountable for our future and the future of peace.

[@freedomisall5620]

Fully agree that FG/FF have been reckless in thier lack of funding of our defence forces. It just seems to be a logical extension of their "hands off" political dogma. Stupid in the extreme. Also feel that both were weak in caving in to the leftists on Neutrality, although I have not decided yet. We should have a citizens assembly and plebiscite.

[@johnthebimmerman1406]

Reactive rather than proactive. Was always the same. Fire fighting the whole time, instead of not allowing the fire to start in the first place.

[@jimboslice5769]

Lived between both UK & Ireland. The Irish folks are an extremely independent people, and I’d honestly be surprised if joined NATO.

[@RoswellCrash]

Independent but rely on the British for air defence 😂 you see the irony.

[@hupk5669]

@@RoswellCrash That's not true.

[@vixen878]

@@RoswellCrash that's either a lie or you are unknowingly spreading misinformation

[@Prometheus4096]

@@RoswellCrash The UK is currently occupying part of Ireland. Not sure about that air defense argument.

[@sparks1792]

@@vixen878No it’s very true nothing wrong with that imo though.

[@gingerandbroke1402]

I think we should stay neutral but we seriously need to take our defence seriously. We can't hide behind a word forever.

[@malahammer]

A force that could seriously defend it's neutrality? It would need to be a rather large force across land, sea and air!

[@gingerandbroke1402]

@@malahammer ah your right lad, we better join Nato then so instead of building up our defence forces piece by piece👍🏻 Na actually what we need to do is build up a level of defence where as Nato countries would be happy that we aren't Europe's weak spot.

[@austinduff6493]

⁠@@malahammernot really, look at ukraine, they had the advantage in none of those areas

[@jgw9990]

​@@malahammerNot necessarily. Like Britain, as an island the Republic doesn't need a big army if it can secure the sea. A low cost fleet of torpedo patrol boats would be sufficient to ensure some control over their local area. Ireland being small means they don't need a super big air force either, 10-20 aircraft would probably be enough.

[@Unknowngfyjoh]

What enemies do you have?

[@AncientIrishCelt]

Interesting info Simon. Thanks! Also "Tea Shock" not tea sher

[@jimheron007]

As a nation we need to make substantial changes to how we recruit, train, equip our military as well as ensuring we retain out troops.

[@stop-the-greed]

NATO will mean national service .

[@eisirt55]

​@@stop-the-greed Britain is in NATO. Is there national service ?

[@stop-the-greed]

@@eisirt55 pre people live in London alone then the whole of Erin ..to meet the requirements .. Ireland would have to introduce national service ... As it is the navy has ships in port because they don't have the crews for them .

[@stop-the-greed]

@@eisirt55 UK population is above 70 000 000 ..rep Ireland under 5 000 000

[@C05597641]

Seems like a waste of people and money. We have no need for a military.

[@waynefurlong5097]

As someone who only left the DF last year after 21 years service I couldn't help but shout yes! To everything in this video. The only thing you left out was the total mismanagement of the Defence Forces by successive governments who see us as nothing more than a tax drain. I could tell horror stories of how during the height of the pandemic lockerrooms,training areas and shower rooms were taken off medics who were actively responding to the pandemic!! To make more room for cadets

[@xax8918]

The DF is a tax drain only because you havent been given the tools to do your job, its like saying that a truck drivers salary is a drain on the company because you havent given him a truck to drive...it is of course a drain because he cant do his job...i despair at the naivety in this country, 5000 wagner troops almost made it to Moscow in a day, imagine what mayhem they could do here if they landed on our unprotected shores one night...we are sitting ducks at every level...thanks for your service.

[@lawrenceabbott5292]

@@xax8918 Air Defence of Ireland is deferred to the RAF. Coastal waters actively patrolled by Royal Navy. Even the RNLI carry out the main rescues in Irish waters. I'm half Irish - Ireland talks a good talk when in the company of the EU but never really goes any further forward.

[@ArcadiaJunctionHobbies]

this is a common mentality among Irish politicians across many sectors and not just the Defence Forces. Look at how Dublin has no underground rail system or even a rail connection to the airport. Why? 'buses are cheaper' the grid lock and so on matters not and this applies to so many things. Unless a farmer, banker, the civil service, or GAA as voter bases they can pander to so as to keep them in office, then the Irish government always considers it an expensive pest and nothing more.

[@nedlooby7419]

So using facilities for what they are intended this makes literally no sense

[@ElTubeo1515]

Does the Irish military participate in any sort of foreign joint training operations with any other countries already? Or will NATO membership be their first time getting to go on NATO train-cations?

[@4Usuality]

Most countries need to patch their holes. Say what you want about the government of Poland, but they are making massive strives in that, especially their great relationship with South Korean defense manufacturers. The baltics may not be powerhouses, but their voices are being heard all the more with Vilnius, and with Germany upping troop numbers in Lithuania. Romania will now meet the 2.5% defense requirement, an increase of 1.4% since 2021. Germany, while slow to act, I believe has realized they need to right the ship, and Britain has regained some of their world power status in their setting the tone with Ukraine since the start of the war. Nato is bolstered by Finland, and soon Sweden, and regardless of Turkey, leaders of the two countries are meeting in Iceland. On top of that, rumors of a massive uptick in weapons to Ukraine could see an overall shift in how the west treats that conflict (still a rumor but worth stating) if weapons stopped being a trickle and started being a torrent into Ukraine, that may deal with one enemy, whether from the battlefield or a real civil war in the country. Time will tell, but I think Ireland has begun to wake up from the bliss of peace. Unfortunately, the world is scarier than it once was.

[@jjbiggmann5576]

IM SURE ROMANIA, AND POLAND. HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO WITH THEIR MONEY..

[@julianshepherd2038]

Look where Ireland is on a map. You have to go through or close to the UK and its NATO connections and nukes.

[@jjbiggmann5576]

@@julianshepherd2038 YUP, ...I THINK, WE HAVE THE ENGLISH SURROUNDED.

[@kreiner1]

I really think Poland is going to make a move to be a major player in the EU. I think they are trying to say if you want to fuck around, they will let you find out. I like it. 👍

[@julianshepherd2038]

@@kreiner1 they are doing well partly because the EU has and is spending a fortune upgrading its infrastructure. They were in a useful position between Germany and Russia but the traffic is way down now.

[@coreydoody1806]

Great video. Very thought-provoking, it's something us Irish will need to consider in the future alright.

[@DoninicGoland96]

consider it for about 2 minutes and then say no

[@ad-kg5dp]

Be a no lad from me. Fund our own first for 20 years.

[@Ceiteach.O.Duibhir]

Definite no

[@kildareire]

Another no, many reasons. Don’t want to fund the MIC. Joining NATO requires 2% GDP spend on military. Fund health, education, and housing adequately first. Plus pay the military service people better first. Poverty pay.

[@bristoled93]

@@kildareire How can health, education, and housing be funded if Ireland and everywhere else looses lots of money because Russia cut the cables?

[@Juan_lauda]

"Little did The Shire contemplate the threat of Mordor to their sundappled idyl."

[@AlreadyTakenTag]

I doubt Ireland would bring much to Nato as it's military spending is too low (along with nothing to write home about when it comes to military tech). However, luckily for Ireland, there are no foreseeable threats towards the nation so they honestly don't even need nato membership. Militarized leprechauns could prove rather useful though.

[@kristopherruiz7644]

Their nimble fingers could quickly swap out the barrels for the Tactical Sassquatch on the MA Duce.

[@AlreadyTakenTag]

​@@kristopherruiz7644The enemy would not see it coming! I take back my opinion about Ireland joining Nato. Those militarized leprechauns would be a game changer in any possible conflict.

[@serronserron1320]

They have a surprising number of veterans in Ireland as many join the French or British military and plenty have become private military contractors.

[@imnotyourfriendbuddy1883]

Irish neutrality is good for NATO. things get politically laundered through Ireland, we know they are friends.

[@NorseGael1]

We have always been a neutral country and will remain so. Irish people have zero interest sending Irish men to die in wars for terrorist NATO.

[@falsealias2046]

As cool as I think it would be for Ireland to join NATO, they don’t need to. They can maintain neutrality while overhauling and upgrading their military.

[@ElysiumCreator]

Just an FYI, Michaél Martins first name is not pronounced as most would think, it’s actually pronounced me-hall instead of my-kull as is usual

[@toyotaprius79]

It's pronounced "Me-hole"

[@derekmcmanus8615]

It's pronounced treacherous cur

[@Frammdo]

0:05 Located on the edge of the atlantic ocean, far from any hostile neighbours.... Ireland looks to it's right.

[@jontalbot1]

In your imagination. Who was first to help when your economy tanked?

[@Frammdo]

@@jontalbot1 It was a joke, I am not from Ireland.

[@Alasdair37448]

I think what a lot of people misunderstand about Irish neutrality in ww2 is that it wasn't that Ireland was neutral toward the Nazis it was more about not being dragged into what at the time was seen as yet another British conflict. Ireland was still licking its wounds over the whole independence thing there was massive instability in the country and the economy was still trashed from 100+ years of imperial exploitation. So this was not really about having any sympathy for the Nazis but more to do with its own internal problems and it relationship to its larger neighbor.

[@toyotaprius79]

🎯

[@edsteadham4085]

Yes and the message of condolence the Irish pm sent to Germany upon Hitler's death in may 1945 drove home the point about Ireland's neutrality. At the very least didn't the pm realize Germany was finished? But I get it. Uk bad bad bad. And read about how post war Ireland Irish treated those Irish who did volunteer to fight Hitler under the British flag. Not held up as heroes now were they.

[@shaneomahony5469]

No they werent and they should have been honoured when they returned from the war. We saw Germany as just another empire trying to gain land and having just gained independance we had no want for war after the slaughter of WW1. We were neutral but leaned to the allies.

[@edsteadham4085]

@@shaneomahony5469 message of condolence when Hitler died. They should have had a national holiday. There's neutral and then there there is moral blindness.

[@shaneomahony5469]

@@edsteadham4085 moral blindness can be attributed to every nation involved ww2. What country are you from may I ask, just to get a clearer picture for myself.

[@MrBobbybobson]

The Irish people would NEVER support joining NATO

[@darthnowlan]

I would. Ireland needs to join NATO. We can't be neutral anymore!

[@mrkeego1769]

The problem with the Irish electorate is that we, as a whole, are under the belief that being a neutral country is enough to secure us from invasion. This ludicrous line of thinking means we have effectively ignored our Defence Forces post WW2. If we don't join NATO then we need at least the capability to defend our neutrality, should it ever come under threat.

[@velouris76]

Spot on, being neutral doesn’t make a country somehow “exempt” from an invasion threat…making that assumption is a huge mistake… Denmark, The Netherlands and Norway were all neutral at the start of WW2, but that didn’t stop them from being invaded and occupied… Even in the plans for the Nazi invasion of Britain in 1940 (Operation Sealion, which never happened) Ireland was definitely in the plan to be invaded as well…

[@sierra1513]

The only countries Ireland is at risk of being invaded by are NATO countries, especially if we have a substantial left wing shift, which I can tell you as a politically active Irish person seems to be the case, Ireland already had a strong left presence and it's only growing, you should all think about your own countries in terms of their own fututres because current political status quo will not last

[@mrkeego1769]

@@sierra1513 good for you for being politically active, though unfortunately none of what you said goes against any of what I've said. Change the wording of my comment and paint it so that we should worry about NATO invading and that still means we need to fund our Defence Forces

[@sierra1513]

@@mrkeego1769 never intended to "go against" your comment, its just that this video is very much a pro-western/USA view point, despite the US being the biggest adversary to world peace since WW2

[@mrkeego1769]

@@sierra1513 and it's very well researched, and I happen to agree with most of it. Especially when one of the researchers on the piece regarding the current state of the Defence Forces was my college lecturer. So give me NATO or a proper defence budget and I'll be happy

[@granatmof]

I think occasionally examining values is an important part of democracy. Discussion is not action. I respect Ireland's sovereignty and self determination. I think there is a diplomatic importance of neutral nations to maintain dialogue between opposite sides. Whatever decision should be based on what's best for Ireland not for NATO or anyone else. The Siege of Jadotville is an interesting battle to cover. 150 irish held on for several days with 5 wounded against 3000 Katanga and experienced mercenaries. Supporting UN units including Ghurkas could not connect to the isolated Irish, who had to surrender after inflicting over 1300 casualties on the attackers. The Irish ran out of water and bullets. They were later freed as POWs after about a month.

[@Zman44444]

I hear you out and I too think that Ireland should do what's best for "her", HOWEVER.... If they are going to be neutral, I would suggest a systematic review and attempt at gaining back some military power. Being neutral means you have no enemies, nor friends (in a very simplified term). You have only yourself to depend on for defense. While Ireland may not feel any threat to itself, the territories in does control have global significance. There should definitely be global mediators, but there is a risk that those trans-atlantic cables can be used as a geopolitical/military leverage, and not on Ireland's behalf. There has to be protections on critical infrastructure. If Ireland doesn't want to spend money on the military, thats great. There then must be some sort of agreements between them and outside nations to facilitate the defense of critical infrastructure.

[@fintanlawton9502]

@@Zman44444 While I understand your reasoning, this is a very complicated issue for Ireland, like most of our history. We are most likely to continue to have an Irish solution to an Irish problem. It's not what other countries would do but then it's our country so we will do what's right for us.

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

the sad thing about the Siege of Jadotville is it took many many years before it was officially recognized properly in Ireland by that time sadly the Commanding officer Pat Quinlan had passed away aged 77 it would be another 9 years after his death before his Heroism was officially recognized in 2006 45 years after the Siege of Jadotville

[@Ccabbage1977]

Fabulous job Simon, very eye opening. thank you

[@patrickuotinen]

It would be interesting to also hear you analysis about Austria and Malta, which, like Ireland, are currently neutral EU-members, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, an aspiring NATO-member.

[@JAlucard77]

Damn I was blown away at the knowledge of Ireland's terrible military weakens considering the major importance cyber cables. This is a TREMENDOUS SECURITY VULNERABILITY FOR THE WEST.😮😢

[@kevinshort3943]

Which is covered by the UK, as best they can ....................

[@stop-the-greed]

No because Ireland is not a target ..let's not make her one

[@stop-the-greed]

NATO has become a money maker for the u.s.

[@lordinquisitorkell-lagan8215]

@@stop-the-greedbut it is, in this video he takes about Russia violating its air space and water. It’s already under attack and relies on everyone else to keep it safe without contributions of its own.

[@gvibration1]

​@@stop-the-greed It's not your choice.

[@fett713akamandodragon5]

I'm quite surprised by Irelands lack of defensive capability, anything left undefended for too long ends up in the British Museum!! Love from the US, Éirinn go Brách!

[@stiofain88]

Sure ye put a leash on the only natural enemy we had. Russia wouldn't want to come here after watching what happened in the North. No one would. Sláinte mo chara.

[@gibboireland]

Outstanding video and kudos for the research gone into it. Gravely concerning and as usual with everything our government do, we’ll only really act to the level that’s needed when it’s too late.

[@DemonsRun42]

As an American, my opinion means nothing. I think Ireland should remain neutral. Her alliances and leanings already lend themselves toward NATO and it's affiliates.With neutrality being the end goal for all of humanity, I love the idea of Ireland (the land of my ancestors) leading the way into the future.

[@drewwar9344]

But on the flip side as an American if they get attacked i dont think we should help them

[@gm405]

@@drewwar9344yeah that’s fine, our fishermen can take on anyone

[@edddie7563]

@@drewwar9344 irish people will fight for their country, not for american pigs. NO TO NATO

[@noahmurphy5366]

I'll forgive the pronunciation errors because the rest of the content was so spot on. Not even a hint of condescension which coming from a brit would have allowed the content of the video to be dismissed by many Irish citizens. Thanks Simon

[@jimmyryan5880]

I have a feeling he put in some effort even though he made some mistakes.

[@JoeeyTheeKangaroo]

I feel like people in Ireland think that people in Britain hate them or something. It's not like that at all, we love you.

[@johnmckiernan2176]

@@JoeeyTheeKangaroo That's nice dear. Unfortunately my lived experience in the UK as an Irish citizen taught me quite the contrary. Sorry to break the bad news.

[@ryanmclellan8740]

Considering history and more pressing financial matters I can't see a real reason to join NATO.

[@123moe]

"far from any hostile neighbours" debatable

[@45641560456405640563]

No. Not really.

[@yusteryumeister4601]

Im not irish but i think they wouldnt want to because they dont want to be part of nato that could be seen as a US/UK soft imperialism, which obviously ireland would not be a fan of

[@SevenTheMisgiven]

Yeah as a Dutchman I consider the Irish untrustworthy for their support of the Russians and Russia anyway.

[@idkwhattodo5448]

As a irish I think we need to grow up

[@harryjones4167]

Yet they are happy for the UK in particular to defend them? 🤔

[@jcmonty1565]

The only time the Irish had any decent soldiers was when they were in the British army, so think it would be totally pointless as they have absolutely nothing to offer

[@fullirishham1015]

​@@harryjones4167 The Government might be, but they'd be happy if most of Dublin burned provided their own properties were unscathed. The Irish people at large, myself included have been lamenting our lack of proper Air defenses for years, long before the Invasion of Ukraine began. That being said, I and many others I know would not wish to join NATO, for numerous reasons, the accessory to the soft imperialism of the United States being only a singular one. Another example being that most would not wish to see our defenses left to the rest of Europe and America, as successive Government's have continually underfunded our Defense Forces. Having others to do it for them would not engender a need to see our own modernised.

[@Gristnagh12]

This is like Gondor talking about the Shire.

[@_Saracen_]

ha! nicely done *tips cap*

[@danielbeshers1689]

You mean the place that was so poorly defended that a single Nazgul nearly captured the one ring there, and after Saruman was defeated at Isengard he conquered it with only a collection of second-rate thieves? That Shire?

[@cjm3109]

​@@danielbeshers1689Emmm didn't the hobbits single handedly fight off Sauruman and take back the Shire?

[@johnmckiernan2176]

This is like a slightly reformed Mordor talking about the Shire...

[@crazychicSHENA]

No 🇮🇪

[@michaelshanahan4042]

That's not strictly true Ireland is a country No body wants to invaded. Have you not heard of England

[@matthewlynch9331]

Thank you for using the Irish names for things as well in this video! One small note the dail is pronounced "the dawl" and Michael martin is pronounced "mehall martin"

[@mishmashmixer]

no no Matthew,....its pronounced "Mehole Martin"

[@markstar6056]

“Far from any hostile neighbours” 🙄 the British only conquered us for 800 years but go on…

[@user-ze8yy8jg1f]

No the kindom of England conquered us then we were given self governance in the United kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland soon that was stripped after a failed nationalist rebellion that destroyed our rights in the uk

[@Purple_flower09]

Do you really feel under threat from the British now? Like they would invade the Republic? I'm Scottish - do you think we might jump across the water and start a war?

[@roryoneill9444]

@@Purple_flower09 As I have told you already and the UK has a land border with Ireland. The british pm Borish Johnson threatened to annex Ireland in 2019, David Frost, an unelected minister, held meetings with terrorist to attack Ireland in 2021, even in 2018 a uk minister stated that the uk should threaten Ireland with "food shortages". No the brits will not start a war with Ireland as the Tory Party might want another Conference in Brighton in the future.

[@willumbermarchant5510]

Jeez man, we are sorry ok!

[@jontalbot1]

In the past everyone invaded everyone else. Other countries got over British colonialism and joined the Commonwealth. Get over yourself.

[@Backpfeifengesicht45]

Ireland has its neutrality written into the constitution. Any changes to Ireland's constitution has to be approved by the people way of referendum. This was why marriage equality and women's reproductive rights had to go to the people before they were written into law. The Irish people won't approve of abolishing neutrality, therefore joining NATO isn't going to happen.

[@COM70]

Given enough time and money, and taking into account our disaffected youth, I bet Irelands Neutrality could be undermined. Look at the uk and Brexit.

[@tomoconnor3877]

By implication, then the reality is that the Irish people will need to accept that armed neutrality akin to than found in Switzerland or Austria is the consequence. However, collective security is no more or no less of a commitment. Perhaps I would direct you to the German experience: expressly forbidden by the constitution to provide military resources following WW2, they now have overcome their inclinations to confine their activities to defending their own territories in the interests of collective security.

[@EdMcF1]

I can't find any reference to neutrality in the Constitution, it does say that it isn't part of the European defence system, but nothing specific about neutrality AFAICS.

[@SparklyJunk]

As an Irish person, with her other half serving, eradication of the triple lock would be severely detrimental to the nation and its diaspora. Its bad enough what was allowed/ignored coming through Shannon to and from the Middle East. Tis strange and uncertain times but NATO membership is not the answer.

[@mishmashmixer]

Well said!

[@matthewlynch9331]

For context Mick Barry and Richard Boyd Barret are both tiny players in Irihs politics

[@jonofthehill]

"...becoming darker, meaner, more violent..." Naw it's always been that way, Morris, the media just hides it.

[@sileado2896]

No thanks

[@JoeeyTheeKangaroo]

I'm English, I wouldn't push anything on them. I'd be happy for them to join but I'd also push for Britain to keep defending them for free.

[@orcho141]

They kind of already do

[@roryoneill9444]

The brits charge for RAF interventions....

[@claytonberg721]

As a Canadian... If europe and north america want their data lines kept safe, it's kind of our responsibility to do so. It's really to everyone's advantage that we do. Ireland is almost certainly not at risk of physical attack. Russia can't deal with the ukraine, right on their borders. it's not like they are going to wage actual war on a country not only on the other side of europe but on the other side of the UK. Every country needs to take cyber security seriously.

[@margaretfarrell5137]

Joining Nato means fighting the neverending US wars/bombings (IAfghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Serbia) and now the proxy war in Ukraine which is partly responsible for inflation in Europe. Europe has become a vassal of the US. Macron has hinted more than once that an independent European army is desirable.

[@iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii7738]

Honestly I’d say we shouldn’t let them join (if they choose to) unless they reach the 2% of GDP minimum. It’s completely up to them if they want to join, but I think they, at the very least, need to seriously reconsider their attitude on their defence and massively increase their defence budget.

[@wcm8909]

Why would they need to? They’re on the other side of Europe

[@Claytorius1976]

Wow! New Zealand spends more on defence than even the Irish gold standard and our forces are considered an embarrassment...The PM recently took two airforce jets to China incase one broke down. So I'm glad to see a similar sized nation even worse than us!

[@maxpower1337]

Lol 🤣

[@dredd1981]

I remember the days when NZ had jets....

[@stiofain88]

You're happy to see us do worse than you....still have the union jack in your flag or did they allow you to choose your own yet?

[@dredd1981]

@@stiofain88 LOL you obviously don't keep up to date with news huh? Maybe read a newspaper instead of sleeping under one. NZ voted only a couple of years ago to keep the Union Flag on their flag. Better luck next time paddy ;)

[@stiofain88]

@@dredd1981 I'm aware. Being a bootlicker to a failed kingdom isn't something to be proud of. Neither is being a subject of a Crown. Now back to inbreeding before Charlie finds out you've been giving lip my salty little gammon.

[@polreamonn]

No.

[@Onora619]

I have faith in Ireland

[@Snagprophet]

There are about 10,000 personnel in the Irish Defence Forces but in 2022 over 800 Irish citizens from the republic joined the British Armed Forces.

[@johnmcquade329]

there traitors then and should be barred from ever returning here

[@derekmcmanus8615]

It was ever thus...better pay and conditions

[@brianmacc1934]

Traitors , every one of them

[@johnmcquade329]

@@derekmcmanus8615 Whys everything down to money nowdays in the 60s till 2007 it wasn't about money it was about national pride, protecting the nation. You went to the enemies army for better pay and conditions, yet they occupy the north east of your country. i'll no longer be calling them the enemy after they eventually leave the nation as an unified independent free and socialist 32 county irish republic nation like spoken by the heroes of 1916, but until then you have betrayed them, they killed your people and yet you go to them for money, you are a charlatan and a you have betrayed the 1798 1916 1921 men and woman and the 1969 1981 and 1998 men

[@Steve-gc5nt]

@@brianmacc1934 You and your dark heart need to grow up.

[@pagimaidj]

Should Ireland Join NATO? Once us Irish are living in a united Ireland and our island is no long occupied by the British, for good & all, then we might think about it .... 😘

[@duo7809]

And contribute what exactly? Ireland relies entirely on the UK for defence.

[@pgbrown12084]

"The worlds loudest pacifists only succeed at patting themselves on the back...while those defending them die all around. The applause drowning out the screams of good men."

[@jjbiggmann5576]

THAT WAS A WEIRD COMMENT...AND A BIT..... HYPERBOLIC.

[@PuckDudesHockey]

Perhaps some pacifists fit that description. But I'm a pacifist who favors having a very strong military and increasing my country's (Canada) defence spending significantly. In today's world, pacifism needs teeth.

[@matthewhodgson7388]

I am Irish, I do think that we need to improve our armed forces and I would not be totally opposed to joining NATO but we would not really contribute anything as our armed forces are a complete mess. Really good video but Simon's Irish pronouncation was a bit dodgy

[@baird5682]

It's about location and localization. There are more irish in usa than in ireland. Add to it air traffic between us and europe and the logostics going with it. And you have a hub for transit of troops. The norther ireland however makes it impossible. Until the issue is solved, it will be main obstacle.

[@tylerdurden9161]

If some hostile world power cuts the underwater internet cables you'd sing a different song. That would hurt not just the EU countries, USA and Canada but Ireland too. You maybe think that scenario isn't possible? Who would predict that Russia would invade a friendly "brotherly" nation of Ukraine? What will happen with Taiwan and China? And other disputes that have been smoldering for decades? The world has entered in a new cold war and this time Ireland has critical infrastructure that needs to be defended, the undersea internet cables. Nations that are poorer than Ireland have much better armed forces. Who is going to invade Switzerland? I guess nobody, but they are prepared for the worst .

[@danhaggerty847]

I think the Irish could contribute a lot through diplomacy alone, Irish diplomats are uncanny in their ability to make you feel like you are a kid whose parents are very disappointed in them.

[@tylerdurden9161]

@danhaggerty847 and when diplomacy fails, war begins. You can not win in a war just with diplomacy and negotiations. If you can't show that you can win or at least defend yourself on the battlefield, you will lose at the negotiation table.

[@danhaggerty847]

@@tylerdurden9161 I'm saying they would have a larger impact on NATO than the original commenter thinks, despite their lack of a comprehensive military. By utilizing the skills they have cultivated outside of it.

[@TheSwedishHistorian]

it would be good to have a country protect the internet wires of europe. More of europe in the defense, good military cooperation and arms production. Water and sea access. It would be a great addition

[@ad-kg5dp]

From an Irish person , we are grand thanks. 😊

[@LivefromStockholmMusic]

if you look at our historical threats you will notice that Russia is kinda low on the list. Just like the Ukraine a large section of our island is still occupied.

[@iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii7738]

⁠@vincenthynes3684‘leave us alone’ ok should we stop protecting your waters and airspace then? Leave Russia to have its way with you whenever it feels like it? No one’s forcing or coercing you into joining NATO, it’s up to Ireland. I, honestly, wouldn’t even say we should allow Ireland to join (if it chooses to do so) until it can prove that it’s willing to spend an adequate amount on its military.

[@dsxa918]

It would be interesting if Ireland and Ukraine worked together to conquer and colonise Russia....

[@bristoled93]

@vincenthynes3684 traitor

[@hoggiegaming1749]

As an Irishman I think no. Too much Irish blood has been spilt by the bullet, no more please

[@damongraham1398]

I wonder would Ireland consider the Freedom class littoral combat ships? Remember they are now fixed. Their rear most mission bay could be outfitted with a towed sonar array. The coast could be equipped with aerostats to monitor the ocean.

[@savagemako17]

Fixed!?!?!?! They are the Navies greatest boondoggle! They should sink them all and create artificial reefs for the fish. More of MY tax dollars wasted. You need to do more research.

[@FRM101]

7:20 That's not exactly true. Ireland has an oversized international presence, despite it's undersized military, because of the 43 million Americans whom self-identitiy with Irish heritage. Were the 26 counties invaded, by say Russia, NATO's most lethal member would unhesitatingly commit to military intervention. Consider it a built-in, familial Article 5, NATO membership or no.

[@bristoled93]

And not to mention the Great Britain which has more Irish citizens and Irish born people than even the USA.

[@frankfinnsweenryan]

Not if the USA gets a POTUS intent on recking NATO

[@ronmaximilian6953]

$3 billion It's hardly unaffordable for the Irish. They're GDP is about 500 billion and government expenditures are $105 billion. Adding another two or even 3 billion to this would not make that much of a dent. A dozen Saab Grippens and maritime patrol aircraft would be quite sufficient for most patrol. This could be paired with a handful of Corvettes built for the North Sea with anti-submarine warfare in mind. The Danes, Dutch, Germans, Swedes, or South Koreans would be happy to provide these.

[@yermanoffthetelly]

You're not getting it. It's not about affordability. Much of the capabilities you mentioned are hoped to be procured by 2030 as set out by the Commission on Defense Forces review. The Irish Navy's OPVs are in the same weight class as corvettes btw, over 2k tonnes, of which ASW capabilities can be added/upgraded. They are also looking to purchase a MRV which would be something like a smaller version of the HNLMS Karel Doorman (which visited Cork specifically to drop the hint) The problem is staffing. The jobs market is red hot at the moment and the private sector is simply paying much better salaries. I heard one company bought out the contracts of almost an entire class of naval engineers. Same for all the other branches. If the government start messing around with new pay deals you'll have every other public servant demanding a raise (some of which do truly deserve it like firefighters, paramedics ect. Some bloody well don't like middle and senior civil servants) it's a Gordian knot of a problem.

[@RunawayTrain2502]

I hear there's a bunch of mercenaries out in the east somewhere in need of a job. Just don't ask them about their weekend benders 😂😂😂

[@ronalddunne3413]

What? NO!! Britain out of Ireland first, THEN maybe there will be something to talk about.

[@kevburke]

It wouldn't go through without a referendum and there's no desire to join nato beyond a few well-heeled journalists...

[@atix50]

There's no referendum needed to make the decision

[@AL-lh2ht]

Polls have shown around 50% want to join NATOz

[@atix50]

@AL-lh2ht There's nothing in the constitution that states the government needs to ask for a vote. I personally have an issue with putting Irish lives at risk if the yanks vote Trump or worse into office going forward. Maybe a European alliance or better still a western European alliance would be preferable. Leave the post ussr legacy stuff to play out. Putin is stuck in some post ww2 fever dream and the Americans are still having their strings pulled by old rich men. Pass.

[@Ceiteach.O.Duibhir]

What poll have you been looking at fella, if that were true it'd be on the news more frequently which it isn't

[@joemurphy1189]

There’s nothing in the Constitution about neutrality, so legislative change is all that’s needed to remove the Triple Lock.

[@user-ze8yy8jg1f]

Fun fact we were meant to be a founding member of nato Our foreign affairs minister was approached by the French and asked to be one of the 4 founders we refused on the terms of unity. If we united we said we would join thinking this would push nato to push Britain

[@hanshanson9932]

Really and it what year did this take place Before or after the treaty of Dunkirk

[@user-ze8yy8jg1f]

@@hanshanson9932 1949

[@gerrygaughran9798]

As an Irish person I've always been in favor of Ireland join NATO

[@NedNew]

This is coming from a man who owes half the country money and wears silk pants.

[@emmettrice8700]

Yes, let’s send our young men to die in nonsense wars and make ourselves a target for bigger more militarily strong countries. 👍🏻 clown

[@loganmancini8759]

I’m hafe Irish but I agreed with you Ireland should join nato.

[@garyfrombrooklyn]

Another excellent video, I’ve just finished the third in your history of Ireland and this was an eye opener

[@Jyce_McJelq]

As an Irishman, this could be the worst idea in modern times. This isnt a simple matter of Irelands neutral status. Neutrality is at the core of the soul of this country and of the irish people. Our ancestors fought against tyranny and subjugation for nearly a thousand years so we could live in peace. Its just stunning how quickly this is disregarded in this situation. We abstained from directly joining the second world war, the largest and most deadly war in all of human history, but somehow a war between Russia and Ukraine, at the edge of Europe is enough to question our decision of standing by our neutral status? The idea that "ireland is now surrounded by nations that dont want to inavde us" is also so staggeringly naive. This is the case today, but the world in 200 years time will look very different to the world of today. The global landscape could have changed completely, the EU could have disbanded etc. How many Irish men and boys could be thrown back into wars, based on this decision which we're being pressured into making today. So many european countries are gradually having their individuality stripped away by the increasing hegemonic control of the European Union. If we lose this we'll have almost nothing left of the spirit of the country which was won for us a hundred years ago and the hardships which we might suffer in the far future as a consequence, will be entirely deserved.

[@tommiefunk2099]

Another Warographics. Another time for me to say, "Hey, you know what would be a great episode? The Geneva Conventions."

[@tailssonicteam1604]

Pretty sure that's just the checklist of what Star Wars The Clone Wars was

[@davidbamford1971]

I am Irish, but I have served in the US national guard with one tour to Bagram Afghanistan. Of course, we should join Nato;why should French, Dutch, and Danish men fight our wars for us. If you want your prosperity and to protect your way of life; then you have to pay the price at times. We need totally new armed forces; as right now, we don't have one worthy of the name. We don't even have a single transport plane capable of rescuing our citizens overseas. Years of neglect of our armed forces; has lead to a malaise; and an attitude of let the bigger countries sort it out for us; while we don't get involved; as we are above all that; is the attitude. We don't have that luxury anymore. The world has changed; and so must Ireland.

[@daraorourke5798]

Bagram. Enough said. We don't want our soldiers torturing people thousands of miles from the North Atlantic thank you.

[@petedgm]

Britain doesn't "defend" Ireland. The RAF scramble jets which are otherwise on standby if Russian aircraft fail to reply to radio tower contact. Irish authorities allow the RAF access to the airspace. From an Irish POV these interceptions are completely unnecessary and are far more likely to cause conflict rather than diffuse it. It has more to do with NATO brinkmanship. These incursions have been happening for a long time and have only become contentious since NATO started piling up in Estonia. Cooling NATO/Russian tensions is the solution to this. The likelihood of a ground invasion or a bombing campaign in Ireland is exactly zero. The military industries just see Ireland as a good GDP figure with an untapped market and are now lobbying Irish political figures. Ireland pays heavily to the "NATO" cause by providing shelter for the waves of migrants coming from areas of conflict that have been invaded by the UK/US. The world needs Ireland as a demilitarised nation with genuine neutrality both as an example of an alternative and to play the role of mediator. It has done successfully in the past and can point to successful conflict resolution within its own borders. Military investment in Ireland should be directed towards cyber security and fisheries protection

[@jontalbot1]

The world does not ‘need’ a neutral Ireland. What the western alliance needs is countries who share its values to step up to the plate and be prepared to fight for them. It’s time to choose sides. Finland and Sweden have abandoned neutrality. Debate on neutrality also happening in Switzerland.

[@conchronic]

As a post colonized country we have some credit in international diplomacy as a honest broker but to join a organization founded by ex colonists and imperialists would destroy our credibility. As Ireland is a small nation we don't and won't have capacity to fight an effective conventional war and understand being in NATO only increases our risks and commits us to decisions we would have no real input too and may actively disagree with.

[@justinzak5025]

That neutral legitimacy is an illusion

[@Makofueled]

Preach

[@dquinnster47]

They should pull a Switzerland and be world bank. That way, if someone tries to invade them, the Irish could seize the money, crippling their opponents.

[@cianmartin4245]

We’re already a tax haven. As for being a world bank I wouldn’t put much stock in our government and banking system pulling that off, they are fairly incompetent and ghoulish in that regard

[@skinisdelicious3365]

Swiss can do it cuz mountains and psychopathic levels of patriotism to protect their institutions and neutrality. Idk about ireland but if i were to put a bank somewhere it would be in a mountain with hot chocolate drinking elite forces on skis to protect it. Dont fuck with the swiss you just dont.

[@yermanoffthetelly]

There's $1.9 Trillion in investment funds held in the IFSC, is that enough?

[@fast1nakus]

Switzerland is like that not because of their decision, but geography.

[@atix50]

​@@cianmartin4245Google the Paris Club. Ireland is a major player in the grey world banking system. There's a reason we've more influence than a teeny nation like ours should have.

[@eoin79]

The world is getting darker and meaner? It's not like you're breaking bad news to us here, as you read off your prompter knowing nothing about Ireland. For Irish people, the world has been a dark and mean place for many, many centuries. And its mostly thanks to people with accents like yours.

[@SGC90-t5y]

100% Needs to keep his nose out of our affairs.

[@-Dazai-]

The British isles will be united again 💪🇬🇧

[@michellebermingham2350]

Bit late to this, but we'll said!

[@irishvangaurd]

Simple answer NO

[@atix50]

We're at a point where we need to accept arming ourselves to the teeth to protect our own interests is necessary if we want to continue to play with the big boys. Joining Nato is another story. But Russian ships off our coast and plans for direct energy supply pipelines we've reached the point we have no choice. 1.5 billion is a ludicrously small amount to throw at the problem too. We could comfortably spend 10 times that if spending on shite we don't need was paused.

[@healsnails]

Completely agree. Armed a neutral is still neutral. For years people seemed to think we didn't need to be or shouldn't be armed as a neutral country. Madness.

[@funbarsolaris2822]

Nonsense that's money not spent on housing, healthcare and internal investment, the chances of Ireland being invaded by Russia is 0, absolutely laughable.

[@jannetteberends8730]

Just discovered this channel of Whistler, I didn’t know it was his. At the moment I’m very selective in choosing what to watch for information about Ukraine and Russia. Although I think the choices I made is the optimal information mix for me, a Simon videos will bring some lighthearted touch in that mix. And I already know Simon is trustworthy.

[@stevenmartin6473]

Ireland relies on the british for air defence and sub sea ventures as much as most irish would like to not admit it ...we are like brothers that had a massive argument and dont speak much anymore but sitll brothers ots like unspoken

[@Snagprophet]

The United Kingdom would never allow a Russian invasion of Ireland, but more cooperation is probably a good solution seeing as Russia is clearly planning to cut undersea cables and cause disruption across Europe. They are a bunch of chavs that need the police to be following them constantly before taking them out which hopefully the NATO strategy and cooperation will provide. More surveillance etc. I did find the rhetoric around British and Irish relations in this video to be completely alien to reality.

[@desmondolaoire6493]

We are like brothers, only one of the brothers killed half of the relatives of the second, took his house for eight hundred years, enslave him, constantly beat him, starved him and did not let go until the last, using terror and massacres.

[@stevenmartin6473]

@@desmondolaoire6493 nah he just took his playstation controller you big baby

[@K1ddkanuck]

@@desmondolaoire6493 Which is why it's sort of befuddling that the RAF are the ones patrolling Irish skies. At the very least, a functional naval and air defense capability on home soil should be paramount.

[@K1ddkanuck]

@@stevenmartin6473 Read some history.

[@Music5362]

Another 2 reasons why Ireland can get away with such a small defence budget is, the UK would never allow anyone to use Ireland as a staging ground to attack the UK. The USA would never allow anyone to mess with Ireland.

[@charlesd3a]

Ireland should spend more on defense but having more Irish companies involved in procurement and development of it equipment etc.

[@dsxa918]

The economy could hugely benefit, if it were done well.

[@razorburn645]

That would require building up those industries and protecting them.

[@AfroGaz71]

The world has not become "darker meaner, more violent." We are actually living in the least violent of times. It's just that we have easy and instant access to information on world issues that we otherwise would have had little information on.

[@Makofueled]

Truth! We're a cakewalk still compared to the early 1900s.

[@tomoconnor3877]

We live in a world of asymmetric and hybrid warfare, both of which a small country's armed forces are ill-equipped to deal with. Look at the appearance of the "little green men" in Dobass, Luhansk and Crimea in 2014 as a perfect example of this; or China's land grab in the South China Sea. So I support the assertion of us living in darker, meaner and more violent time. We know who is really behind what is going on, but plausible deniability is employed to effectively cancel out the accusations of the real identity of the actors involved. Who blew up NORDSTREAM2? Why has the Russian Navy been "surveying" our windfarms in the North Sea and the continental shelf offf the coast of Ireland? Who tried to create a crisis in Transnistria in 2022, by allegedly blowing up a transmitter?

[@alanmcgowan3457]

As an Irishman, I would never want to join NATO with its sketchy past endeavours. Joining a EU defence group would be acceptable especially now that Britain is out of the EU. Also, the RAF covering our skies was at the request of the British during the Cold War as we were an open gateway for the Soviets to hit the west coast of Britain. Until Vladolf the mighty midget invaded Free Peaceful Democratic Ukraine there was little to no need to spend money on the Military. We were not at war with anyone, nor was there any sign of tensions with our neighbours (even the Brits). Things have changed, more needs to be spent now, but neutrality should remain unless it's an EU defence policy. Слава Україні, Крім Україні 🇮🇪❤🇺🇦❤🇮🇪❤🇺🇦

[@blackacidgaming5672]

An EU defence policy is basically nato in different dressing. I could potentially be convinced to adopt some sorta article 5 style agreement with the EU, but the integrated command required for that poses major risks to our sovereignty.

[@alanmcgowan3457]

@@blackacidgaming5672 I don't see any risks to our sovereignty with fellow EU member states. But I would see great risks with Britain or God forbid the US. The current US administration is fine, but what if another "Donny the Loser" got into power, some nut job like Marjorie Traitor Green ... Same with the Brits, another "BlowJoe" ... At least the other EU members (with perhaps the exception of Hungary) have shared values, beliefs and ethical standing as we have. I would prefer a German, French, Spanish (or even Ukrainian in the future) garrison based near say Shannon, than a British or American one. Our ancestors had first hand knowledge of what the Brits could and still can do (similar to what ruZZians are doing in Ukraine at present), and modern history tells just what the US are capable of doing in foreign lands. Слава Україні, Крім Україні

[@davidlally592]

Yes Ireland more involved in PESCO (EU) is a worthwhile idea...