What Kind of Military Should Ireland Have?

[@michaelshurkin613]

www.wionews.com/world/ireland-uk-submarine-cables-under-threat-irish-navy-claims-it-escorted-russian-spy-ship-out-of-eez-776698

[@harshbutfair8993]

I was watching the first 6 minutes of this video and finding it interesting, but then went to the comments section and saw your replies to people saying categorically that Ireland was anti Semitic. As an Irishman I've never once heard a fellow Irish man or woman saying I hate Jews or that they dislike Jews in any shape or form, we just don't come across that many to be frank. I did have a colleague over ,2 decades ago who was Israeli, we got on great and he was involved in the local soccer team, he had zero issues afaik. I have however heard anti Semitic stuff on a few other occasions from other white Europeans, I won't name the countries as don't want to be flinging mud. Criticism of what the right wing Israeli government are doing, whether that criticism is justified or not, I think personally yes it is, is not the same as anti semitism, but that is the Netanyahu playbook, right!?

[@michaelshurkin613]

Lol. I'm happy to be educated re: Irish politics. I admit, for example, that I don't know jack about de Valera. I reject efforts to educate me about what constitutes antisemitism. Take my comments to heart and reflect.

@@michaelshurkin613 You're a crooked lying fool. You weird racist creep.

[@paxundpeace9970]

​@@michaelshurkin613not only are those false accusations but they are racist too.

[@alanmcgowan3457]

​​@@michaelshurkin613DeValera was a Yank or as you guys call them "Irish-American". You forgot to mention that the Irish Free State was still recovering from our Civil War after independence from the Brits (which was in 1922, not 1921). We were on our knees due to policies enacted by London to ensure we remained an Agricultural economy. We are not anti-semitic, our recent Minister of Justice is Jewish. My Brother-in-law is Jewish (South African from Baltic parents who moved there after the war in '45) We as a nation we are anti-Israeli as they are the imperialist land grabbers, just like the ruZZians. We will never join NATO. I am glad we are not in NATO and joining their illegal invasions (ie: Iraq - wonder what happened to all those imaginary WMD's that Bush was talking about). I would be for joining an EU Defence force now that the Brits are out of the EU. As for Jets and Ships, I think we would have to go for European ones to avoid any possible future constraints on supplies (weapon systems and parts) in case the "great orange one" has a fit and blocks any exports because his policies are failing. I would like to remind you that we have never (as the Irish Free State or the Republic of Ireland) declared war on anyone. Our only threat were the Brits. It was their choice to cover our air space during the cold war to keep the Soviets away from Wales and the west coast of England. In an EU Defence Force, we would have to get a real airforce and navy in place. But that would be different to NATO and the US agenda of world dominance by fear and force. Only in "Murika" could you come up with the idea that the Irish are anti-semitic. Religion was little to do with Countries political decisions, it's usually about money or land (and by land I mean resources contained underneath it). Read more non-Anglised history about the Country you want to condemn before making your next insulting video about a Country you know little or nothing about. Ps: I lost three Uncles and two Aunties in WWII fighting for the Brits, Canadians and the Yanks. Two Granduncles for the Brits in WWI We know the difference between the right and wrong sides of warfare. Israel and ruZZia are wrong. The US were wrong about Iraq WMD's, that was just Junior finishing off Seniors unfinished business. The US were also wrong in so many other, let's call it regime changes shall we, in the past. Always with their own "interests" at heart. Слава Україні, Крім Україні

[@dublinairportplanes]

Anti semitism is used as a political tool to silence critics, critiquing Israeli gov is deemed anti semitic these days, the israeli gov is hiding behind the holocaust and subverting the horrors of what happened for political scores, if the state of Israel continues its war and war crimes, then quite bluntly synaqogues which has the largest one in the Eu based in Dublin should be closed down in protest, the Zionists needs to know Ireland is taking active steps.

[@karl_thwub]

I'm a bit slow here but at what point did it become aceptable to accuse people of anti-Semitism because they disagree with the policies of the State of Israel?

[@josephmarshall7969]

It's a tactic used to suppress legitimate discussions on the excesses of the Israeli State Government's policy towards the territories it occupies.

[@michaelshurkin613]

I accuse antisemites of antisemitism.

[@karl_thwub]

@@michaelshurkin613 So let's say for instance, hypothetically of course, that I disagree with Israel bombing the hell out of, say Gaza or Lebanon. And let's say I'm willing to openly criticize it. Does that make me an anti-Semite? Personally I would define an anti-Semite as a Jew-hater.

[@pepperfan111]

@@michaelshurkin613 yet cited no evidence , very amatuerish for a so called Doctor...

[@elzorro7of9]

@@michaelshurkin613 Scumbag. That is what you are.

[@ado75]

The Antisemitism card was crass. The holocaust & pogroms are deeply understood in Ireland and are part of the school curriculum. Just like we abhor the treatment of Jews then we equally abhor what the state of Israel has done to native Palestinians. For those whose ancestors were ghettoised to do then the same to others is deeply troubling. I guess our own history and experience of occupation and engineered famine lead us to a certain worldview. Anti the policies of the state of Israel does not equate to antisemitism.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Demonizing Jews very often is tantamount to racism, particularly when the source of the trouble are Jews' efforts to defend themselves from people who massacred them. Israel is not Cromwell's England.

[@jofe7751]

@@michaelshurkin613 Cromwell was but an episode in a long series of English/British rule in Ireland. From the plantations to the Black and tans, from the penal laws to great famine, from the flight of the earls to either of the Bloody Sundays, from language suppression to religious prosecution, from forced exile from the south and west to segregation and discrimination in the North, there were many episodes without Cromwell. In Irish eyes, Israel's treatment of the Palestinians is familiar and all too recognisable. Anti Israeli feeling is much wider and deeper in Irish society than just among the usual anti Semite or tankie suspects

[@daraorourke5798]

Yes. Hard to know if it is bad faith or if he us just a moron.

[@daraorourke5798]

It sure looks like it to most people.

[@paxundpeace9970]

So many people don't know about the crimes commited by the english black and tans. ​@@jofe7751

[@dermotdoherty2960]

I work in health care and we partner with the Irish military as part of my job. For the most part, I find them extraordinarily professional and capable. But, I see their internal politics where the Army overrules and squash the Naval service and the Air Corps. Before watching this video, I had reached my own conclusion that we needed an actual Air Force and and actual Navy more than we need an Army. Ireland is a Social Democratic country and defence and increase spending will not feature at all in the political debate for our upcoming general election. Even our conservative leaning political party Fine Gael cower when defence spending or neutrality is mentioned. What I don't understand is why our EU, UK partners and the US companies with vast investments here don't give the Irish government shit for being total freeloaders and wide open to Russian meddling? Worse, we can all see what is left of our defence forces withering on the vine. This, when the world is on fire. Bizarre. Oh yes, the anti-semitism thing is wrong. We don't like injustice. Isreal is an unjust country committing war crimes.

[@paulohagan3309]

See my comments on who insisted and still insists on the British defending Ireland. The Irish did not insist on the present situation at independence.

[@eamonngibney7572]

Apart from his confusion re Irish support for Palestinians equaling anti semitism he is 100% correct about Irish defence capability and policy. We need serious change...but only serving military understands this. Political class and people in general have heads in the sand.

[@harshbutfair8993]

@eamonngibney7572 Not everyone has their heads in the sand. Russia's attack on Ukraine was a bit of a wake up call, if one was paying attention. It just shows that you never know what's going to happen in the world, being pretty much defenseless is nuts. Should be aiming for a decent military within our budget, I think getting close to the NATO (I know we are not in NATO) target of 2% of GDP would be reasonable to aim for. We are too small to defend ourselves against a powerful aggressor, but at least we could get up to the level of being capable of giving a bloody nose. Also getting more people experience in the reserve force would be a good idea.

[@dublinairportplanes]

Ireland needs to join NATO, we have for to long hid behind the skirts of the EU and free loaded for too long, the FAR left however want Ireland to be isolated on the world stage, Ireland is a weakling and a easy way into the EU for illegal migrants, drug smugglers and Russian cyber-attacks. It was beyond embarrassing when fisher men went up against Russian warships instead of a proper funded irish navy tasked with the job.

[@BoB10]

we are not all stupid or something the reasons there are not many joing the military here is there are no where they could afford to live when they finish the wages are crap.

[@omgpotatos1]

That anti semitism remark has nothing to do with the topic being explained here, do you care to expand on the accusation of slatting a whole nation as being anti sementic?

[@michaelshurkin613]

@@omgpotatos1 because that whole nation needs to come to grips with its little problem. And why so sensitive about being slandered when one is so comfortable slandering others?

[@omgpotatos1]

@michaelshurkin613 this is supposed to be a factual channel from my understanding, I usually like these videos but not providing a source for accusations is just laughable Definitely lost a viewer from me

[@veronicadredd22]

@@michaelshurkin613 How did Ireland have a Jewish Justice minister who also was Defence Minister at the same time if the country is so antisemitic,

[@pepperfan111]

@michaelshurkin613 there is no problem , your fantasising

[@paxundpeace9970]

You are false and it is degrading. ​@@michaelshurkin613

[@ctid107]

Denmark and the Republic of Ireland have roughly the same population. The difference between their defence capabilities is enormous.

[@tedcrilly46]

So is the difference in location.

[@LeMerch]

Location is key. But don’t underestimate Ireland. It fought an empire and also when you look into its military history you see that they’ve also influenced other countries which is pretty interesting. From Russia & France to the US & Argentina. Well worth looking into.

[@pablom-f8762]

Ireland should focus on drones, specially maritime ones. Ukraine showed how effective they are at denying waters which should be Irish defense doctrine 101.

[@goodgod77]

Irelands GDP is higher than Denmark. But GDP might not be a good measure

[@davidlysaghtlegupability2924]

Ireland doesn't need a major military and this guy is nothing but propaganda

[@michaelmulligan0]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="606">10:06</a> Ireland (secretly) breached neutrality so much in favour of the allies we could never be considered neutral

[@michaelshurkin613]

I agree.

[@thewingedhussar4188]

Hey not exactly a bad thing. Usa was in a similar spot back in the early 20th century. And Russia is seriously testing the waters with nuetral nations to see if they can force them into alliances. Nato hasn't exactly been aggressive with pushing nations into alliances.

[@EdwardRLyons]

@@michaelshurkin613 The Irish were neutral in WW2 -- but neutral on the side of the Allies. One example is that the weather forecasts which first delayed, then gave the go-ahead for the D-Day landings were based at least in part on reports from Irish weather stations.

[@Mugdorna]

My family are from along the border with the 6 counties. My own grandfather (and his squad) guarded a crashed Spitfire for 3 days until it "mysteriously" disappeared overnight. Happened sometime in mid-1942 as my dad was a newborn at the time.

[@skylongskylong1982]

@@EdwardRLyonsyou need to check on the Irish Government Operation Starvation. Which treated Irish citizens harshly who volunteered to fight the Nazis by joining USA, UK, and Canadian armed forces. They were not supporting the allies . Operation Starvation proves they were not,

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

I think you ran this video just a touch early (And it's why I've not yet attacked the subject). There is currently a high-level review going on which is supposed to come out with the answer to the question of "Just what is it we need the Defence Forces to do, and how should we configure it to do it?" A lot of the answers of configuration and equipment are going to come from that. A piece you did not touch upon is the reconfiguring (It's in so terrible a shape that they are effectively starting from scratch) of the reserve forces, which may (or may not) be a significant component of this, especially if the Powers-that-are decide they want to focus on things like cyber-defense capabilities. I would recommend also that anyone interested in the matter of Irish defence read the Commission on the Defence Forces report which came out in 2022, it (and the three LoAs within it) are the foundation of the discussion today. The idea of buying Iranian to please people (And I don't think Iran is as popular as you apparently imagine) is daft. I'll give some credit to the DF, they may not buy often or set adventurous requirements for their equipment, but when they do buy, they tend to buy the best out there which fits the requirements which had been set out (Possible exception of the AW.139 fleet, but that's another story). There's a reason why Ireland was the first foreign purchaser of the Javelin ATGM or the SINCGARS radio, for example. More important is interoperability. Ireland rarely goes anywhere, be it at sea or on land, alone and not in conjunction with partner forces and generally speaking, they tend to be NATO or NATO-compatible nations (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada, that sort of thing). The idea of neutrality itself is almost a sacred cow. The idea is that since Ireland cannot (and likely does not wish to) keep itself as a major player on the world stage due to its might, it instead maintains relevance due to neutrality. By being unaligned, it becomes a trusted intermediary which can then make advances towards global peace. Being in NATO doesn't seem to have hurt Norway's achievements in this regard, but it's the theory. Similarly, the theory is that everyone will love the neutral Irish and that will keep its troops safe and welcome, though to the Africans or wherever, it's just a bunch more white folks with guns. One can spend many hours watching the Public Consultative Forum on the Dept of Foreign Affairs youtube channel, and you'll get a good view of the sources of opinions. Whether or not Ireland should spend money to defend neutrality is another issue entirely. There is a large school of thought that things like Ireland's territory and airspace, or the massive infrastructure like undersea cables, will be secured by other nations purely out of their own self interest, regardless of if Ireland does so or not. And if so, then why bother spending the money? Put it to the health service or some such, as if another half-billion will suddenly make it more efficient. Until or unless concrete ramifications come from not being able to properly self-police sovereignty such as trade penalties or whatever (possibly easier from outside the EU than within), or no longer allowing Irish folks to hitch lifts on evacuation aircraft, there is going to be no particular impetus to stop letting the good times roll and leaving the capability gaps unfilled.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Thanks. I was really only joking about the Iranian boats, although that type of boat would not be a bad idea. Better to do as the Finns.

[@michaeljhonfarrar]

Well said, personally I strongly believe Ireland should join NATO urgently

[@davewolfy2906]

​@@michaelshurkin613I find it absurd that you had to explain that.

[@noeldoyle4501]

​@@michaeljhonfarrarIt seems that all of the bloodshed in Ukraine has been caused by Western warmongers who evaded a just peace agreement because they hoped for, provoked, and got, a proxy war with Russia. I know that the West keep starting callous wars of conquest. With many proven warmongers in the West, supported by a lying narrative in most of the media there will be many more unnecessary wars to come. Ireland should accept occupation rather than destroy herself serving warmongers and liars.

[@goldiefish72]

​@michaelshurkin613 what works in Finland wouldn't work here. They have sheltered inlets and the Baltic, we have the Atlantic or the Irish Sea. The IPVs are considered the absolute smallest that can operate in our waters and they'll spend most of their service on the East coast only.

[@kevclaremcd]

What a great video, Michael. After spending nearly 40 years in the Irish Defence Forces, I was gearing myself up to have a great rebuttal, but your assessment was spot-on and professional. Best Regards from South Sudan.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Thank you. Are you with the Rangers?

[@kevclaremcd]

I was Michael, quite a few years ago, I'm now working for the UN as in the Irish Defence Forces as a Commandant (Major) you have to retire at the age of 56 and when I reached that age, I knew I was never going to take up golf so I ended up working for the UN in the Central African Republic for four years and I'm now in the third year in South Sudan.

[@paulodriscoll5419]

Whilst I agree with the gist of this in that Ireland should be ready and willing to defend its territorial integrity, I have to point out a couple of glaring errors: Firstly there is practically ZERO antisemitism in Ireland despite your weird claim to the contrary. There is however almost universal anti-Zionism for very obvious reasons. There is also a large majority who would be anti-Israel, especially post 1967. There is a huge difference between these 2 morally defensible positions and antisemitism (pure racism), a difference I’m sure you know well. So I suggest you research that independently but it is factual. Secondly there is no “pro Islamic” stance (there is a strong pro Palestine rights movement) and there is outrage at Iran and particularly Saudi Arabia because of their horrendous human rights record. This is the same reason there is anti Israel sentiment. So to think that Ireland should buy Iranian products to appease antisemites is an inane and wholly uniformed comment which kind of undermines other reasonable points you make. I assume you do know the difference between anti-Zionism, anti-Israel and antisemitism?? If not I am happy to clarify (but you do know I’m sure)

[@michaelshurkin613]

I was joking about buying Iranian boats. But as for anti-zionism vs antisemitism, that's where my expertise lies, and I urge you to take my assertions seriously.

[@paulodriscoll5419]

Michael I am from Ireland. I can tell you for certain that there is no issue with antisemitism in Ireland. I am an antizionist because I am against settler colonization anywhere in the world. I am anti Israel because of its absolute Zionist policies and its violent repression of the indigenous population and the weekly annexation of more land for settlers in the occupied territories. I am absolutely not an antisemite and indeed know many antizionist Jews and have an Israeli good friend (oh we constantly debate but are very close on agreement on a future part) So if you don’t mind explaining to me your viewpoint that somehow anti Zionism and antisemitism is the same. It factually isn’t but I am interested in your take. Finally have you spent time in Ireland? Seriously there is practically no antisemitism with a very informed population on Zionism (due to historical experience) and wondering where you experienced this over there that would give you confidence to post it?

[@alannewman85]

@@michaelshurkin613 No-one else here is 'joking' about anything. In any case, I don't see the connection with Irelands military, or lack thereof. Please can you set out your thought and clearly explain the connection???

[@liamwhelehan2703]

Whoa! what is this Anti-semitism thing you are talking about? There is almost no anti-semitism in Ireland. You just flatly declared it to be true without presenting any evidence. There is plenty of Anti-Israeli sentiment. It bothers me that you are equating those 2 positions. I stopped watching at that point.

[@JohnSmith-tw6po]

People like you are why Irish Jews are either fleeing or living in fear in this country. Evidence of anti-semitism? Were the Palestinian flags flying everywhere where I lived on the morning of October 8th 2023 not proof enough for you? You're 'bothered' by the equation - actually Jews here are fearing for their lives because of it, and people like you enable it.

[@JohnSmith-tw6po]

"There is almost no anti-semitism in Ireland. " Have you asked Irish Jews' opinions on this? I'm Irish and friends with plenty - I don't think you'll like the answer.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Alas, this is true. And believe it or not, antisemitism is my expertise. I came to mil stuff by accident. I have put more thought into the subject than you can imagine. I might be wrong about much in this video, but not my assertions about antisemitism

[@derrickoleary8908]

⁠@@michaelshurkin613 Only if you define “antisemitism” as opposition to settler colonialism and genocide, while having no opinions on Judaism. But as official America is an unapologetic sponsor of genocide, your lie has a certain self-protective necessity. On Ireland’s need to step up on defence, I agree. If 0:45 only to distance ourselves from the US.

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

This guy simulated academic evaluation but like all israel apologists he couldn’t help himself from laying on the paint in buckets. Thanks for being transparent.

[@ciaranowens8141]

Your social comments are not relevant in military podcast.

[@s123-v3x]

If the Irish would fight for themselves and not hide behind Britain you could listen to an Irish military channel

[@josephmarshall7969]

There is a national Forest is Israel dedicated to Eamon De Velara. It was commissioned by Dublin's Jewish Community in 1966 to commemorate his "consistent support for Ireland's Jews. In the Irish Constitution of 1937, the drafting of which was personally supervised by De Valera, the writing of the Constitution specifically gave constitutional protection to Jews. This was considered to be a necessary component to the constitution because of the treatment of Jews elsewhere in Europe at the time." Wikipedia.

[@thomaskelly4855]

Which part of the constitution? The Irish constitution heavily favours Catholics even at one point stating catholics were above other religions

[@josephmarshall7969]

@@thomaskelly4855 There's a Google machine for that. I suggest.... 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Ireland The Constitution doesn't favor any one religion over any other, the de facto implementation of the constitution does, due to the overwhelming Catholic supermajority.

[@michaelshurkin613]

A southern Irish protestant once told me a joke. He said that on TV on New Year's eve, a priest spoke and said, "On behalf of the 95% of Irish who are Catholics, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Years." Then a Protestant minister (CoE) spoke and said, "on behalf of the 5% of Irish who are Protestant, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year." Then the rabbi came on and said, "and on behalf of everyone else, I'd like to wish you a Happy New Year."

[@josephmarshall7969]

@@michaelshurkin613 I'm struggling to understand the relevance of this.

[@tonyharpur8383]

​@@michaelshurkin613the Protestant pastor (actually an archbishop) was a member of the CHURCH OF IRELAND (CofI)..he wasn't CofE (Church of England),but part of the Anglican Communion. The CofI was disestablished in 1870, so there has been no state church in Ireland since then. Your comment shows your ignorance!

[@eisirt55]

I like this report . It is accurate for the most part. I take issue , however, with your claim that the Irish State is in any way anti-semitic. Opposition to the actions of the Isreali state is not anti-semitic . Must we agree with every action of the Isreali state or be labelled ? Are American Jews who criticise Zionism anti- semites , or British Jews who demonstrate qgainst Isreali acti9ns in Gaza ?

[@michaelshurkin613]

Grow up. Irish antisemitism is a fact. Own up to it.

[@eisirt55]

​@@michaelshurkin613Thank you for your reply . I dont accept that at all. It is true that the sympathies of most Irish people lie with the Palestinians . They are viewed, here, as dospossed and oppressed . Our colonial experience of dispossession plays a major part in this thinking . Your plan for the defence forces is excellent . I wish the Government would take it , or something like it on board

[@arturfoden8823]

@@michaelshurkin613 Damn, if this is the depth to your analysis on Ireland and its relationship with Israel then it can be safely ignored. Pity, I guess it throws into question the value of your arguments in general - or do you put more effort into those?

[@alexocean9196]

Im Irish, Antisemtism is widespread. It is the most antisemtic country in the west. Its disgusting

[@daneelolivaw4323]

"Opposition to the actions of the Isreali state is not anti-semitic . Must we agree with every action of the Isreali state or be labelled ?" Plenty of people disagree with Israel. It's the constant double standard applied only to Israel by some that justifies calling them antisemitic. And I fully understand why Michael would be tired of people arguing, either in bad faith or in good faith and with a considerable amount of willing ignorance and stupidity, that the hostility levelled at Israel is made of purely rational, objective, fact-based criticism.

[@ciaranmcgettigan]

Your conflating Irish position of Anti Zionist with antisemitism is lazy and purposefully confused. To my mind it also calls into question your analysis

[@michaelshurkin613]

As lazy as Irish "anti-zionism" and the notion that the Israel+Palestine situation is analogous to Ireland's experience? Anyway, you all needed to hear it, and it might as well be me.

[@seadubhlanaig2498]

Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. His analysis is sound. His asides are a pity. It demonstrates that there can be a petty side to genius! Even intelligent people can be brainwashed.

[@ciaranmcgettigan]

@@seadubhlanaig2498I would agree with a simple caveat, neither the UK nor the USA would lift a finger if it did not serve their own interests.

[@TheHitmanIRL]

A couple of things that are outright incorrect about the video. As Irelands economy is so globalised GDP is next to useless when talking about the economy. Modified GNI is used, which subtracts companies using IP and other corporate vehicles so transitory cash isn't included. GNI for Ireland last year was about 296 billion Euros. Secondly, you mention Sinn Fein being important in domestic politics. They have never been in government since the foundation of the state. The two parties that have dominated government are centrist Fianna Fail and further to the right Fine Gael. Ireland has been wealthy for less than 30 years, and the irish armys plan if we were attacked was to disband and launch a gorilla war. I was a reservist for years until I received a medical discharge. Honestly, what's the point in investing in a conventional military when our nearest neighbour has over 12 times the population. We've basically had good relations with the UK for decades. Would having an airforce and a better equipped navy be a good thing? Of course, but with Trumps rhetoric about trade wars and pointed comments on Ireland in particular it's be stupid to assume our economy is safe and we should pump money in for no good reason other than it'd be nice to have... I also find it funny how you've been called out for your little anti-semitic comment multiple times but all you can respond with is variances of "grow up". Jewish people were never persecuted here, and as others have mentioned we've even had Jewish ministers. Where's the anti-semitism? There's a difference between protesting the treatment of the Palestinian people and anti-semitism.

[@davewolfy2906]

He is rather touchy on that matter. Most British and Irish have never met a jew.

[@paulodriscoll5419]

We had a Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin and so many more Jewish Irish. But the poster is weirdly out to lunch on phantom antisemitism. He is Jewish so definitely knows the difference between anti Israeli, anti Zionism and antisemitism

[@pepperfan111]

Devalera has a forest in Isreal named after him , the nom de gurre of the isreali military leader during th 48 war was micheal collins.

[@paulodriscoll5419]

@@pepperfan111 so what? While one could argue that the founding of Israel was acceptable in 1948 you could have those same people would be vehemently against the government behaviour ever since.

[@pepperfan111]

@paulodriscoll5419 i never said otherwise my concern is not at this moment actions of the Isreali government ( thats a story for a different day) but rather the so called Doctor who believes Ireland has a serious issue with antisemitism when its just not true. I have no doubt that there are anti semites in Ireland but they are not out in force hunting jews down like they are in amsterdam and germany where it did happen. Ireland has had no serious cases of anti semitic actions on a scale seen in US or Europe , durinf our palestine protests , our people are not looting , defacing statues to honor war dead or actively huntinf jews. This so called doctor is acting like we are and he cannot link me evidence to the contrary.

[@cathalmurphy4584]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="270">4:30</a> The difference between the L118 and L119 is that one has a longer barrel and the other has a shorter one. The ammo for the short one is cheaper so is preferred for training.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Thanks! 🙏🙏

[@andysavill8580]

They do have different barrel lengths but the main difference is the L118 is the original light field gun designed by Royal-Ordnance UK, the M119 is the US licenced copy!

[@iano239]

Irish American, well more accurately Irish immigrant to America. So I feel like I know both sides of the discussion. Being pro-Palestinian is not antisemitic. Holding Israel to account for war crimes and crimes against humanity is something we all should do. Irish people have always been the best defenders of their country. I agree interceptor jets make sense, and air defense makes sense. The genesis of the Irish Armed forces is worth your study. It was formed during the Civil War to suppress the people who had fought for Independence. The Irish have invested in asymmetrical warfare. That's appropriate to their needs. Irish GDP is a bit of a mirage. Ireland is non-aligned for excellent reasons.

[@andrewruddy962]

Haha, got to listen to a tanker. County Mayo.

[@brendanbergin5126]

I listened to your arguments and wish you could park your biases before casting judgement. Firstly, Ireland in the thirties and forties is not anywhere like the 2020's. secondly, we owe nothing to NATO and do not need to contribute to their warmongering American profiting system. Thirdly most Nato countries are only in Nato to placate the Americans. Do you really think the Germans want to be allies with America? Fourthly Ireland was not ever anti-sematic or pro Nazi despite your obvious bias. Fifthly if anyone wants to try and invade Ireland, bring it on. It will not go well for them. We do not need to mind your internet cables. Remember America has depended on your isolation to avoid war and invasion for two centuries, that isolation comes with the cost of isolation form the rest of the world internetwise, so if you want intact cables then you defend them. Do not insist that we do. We prefer to use our taxes for things like universal healthcare and free schooling instead of using poor people to go to war as cannon fodder to get college education and healthcare. Do Better!

[@casey203]

The Irish forcing the Royal Navy and Air Force to defend their island (while they save all that money) is actually a very hilariously Irish way of sticking it to the British.

[@michaelshurkin613]

I hadn't thought of it that way. But you're right.

[@michaelmulligan0]

Part of the Anglo-Ireland Treaty which gave Ireland independence made Britain responsible for Ireland’s naval defence between 1922 and 1938

[@Nomadicmillennial92]

But it is still quite a risky strategy in the long run. It gives London leverage over Ireland’s National Security. And if a hypothetical scenario the Irish elect a more radical “anti-imperialist” left wing government, the British could bring the Americans into the conversation and get them to really twist the arm of that potential government.

[@michaelmulligan0]

@@Nomadicmillennial92 equally the last few British governments have been far right and at least 1 senior British minister threatened to starve Ireland

[@Nomadicmillennial92]

@@michaelmulligan0 If you think the last few British governments were far right, then you’re in for a rude awakening if an actual far right government wins power in London

[@darthvader5802]

Who needs army when you have balaklavas and semtex?

[@michaelshurkin613]

Don't forget the self-righteousness.

[@TheLastAngryMan01]

@@michaelshurkin613You seem to have cornered that particular market.

[@ODonnchadhaBrian]

An excellent analysis except for the anti-semitic comment. We aren't any more anti-semitic than we are anti-muslim or anti-immigrant or just generally racist. We don't have much tolerance for the State of Israel and its ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people, however. I can't argue with the tankie comment, though.

[@michaelshurkin613]

@@ODonnchadhaBrian 1. You should ask Irish Jews. 2. Consider the fact that when it comes to antisemitism, I can claim to serious expertise. So imagine I'm right and you're wrong, for the sake of the intellectual exercise. I might be wrong about everything else in this video, but not this.

[@pepperfan111]

You are wrong, the military aspect of the video was for the most part correct but your claims of anti semitism is weak at best. Not when the chief rabbi is saying Irelands one of the safest places to be. For a person with a PHD you throw flimsy accusations around with no evidence ive asked you before to give me examples of serious anti semetic incidents on a scale with europe or the US but you cant because they do not exist. Your claim to be an expert on anti semitism yet claim to be new to military things , ironic your presentation on military was more informative and true than the subject you claim to be an expert on. Amsterdam recently has had attacks on jews as has germany cops are guarding synagogues , uk too ? yet none in Ireland ​, why is that ? Its almost like we are not anti semetic and just despise Isreali government actions that are being rightfullycl condemed around the world. @@michaelshurkin613

[@johnk3366]

@@michaelshurkin613Honestly this is just an appeal to authority with little substantiation. I'm more than willing to accept that this is true if you can site instances, however " just trust me" isn't compelling. I'm sure you're probably tired of comments like this, however we do take it seriously I'd be appalled if anyone I knew let alone my government maintained a position of harming or discriminating against Jews specifically or anyone else.

[@ODonnchadhaBrian]

@michaelshurkin613 I did as you suggested, I asked a Jewish friend of mine if he felt Ireland was anti-Semitic. He said no. He did draw the distinction between Irish people's attitudes towards Jews and their attitude towards the state of Israel. If you could give me specific examples of what you are talking about or Garda statistics on attacks on Jewish people in comparison to attacks on Muslims or members of the Travelling Community, I would be willing to reconsider. Otherwise, just asking me to trust you on this issue isn't going to cut it. Again, I'm not saying we aren't racist. We certainly are and those elements are growing in society. That's not anti -Semitic though.

@@ODonnchadhaBrian There's definitely more than one screw loose in his head.

[@bustabloodvessel5327]

Of the 3,464 Medals of Honor awarded as of September 17, 2009, an estimated 2,021 (58%) have been awarded to Irish-American recipients, more than twice the number awarded any other ethnic group; 257 Irish-born Americans have received the Medal of Honor which represents more than half of foreign-born MOH recipients. Of the 1,350 Victoria Cross medals awarded to date, Irish people have received 190 awards - the highest tally of any country, bar England (614) thus honoured. Scotland emerge in third place in the roll of honour with 158 awards and Australia comes next with 97 awards. Taking into account Irelands population that 190 crosses would be the equivalent of England gaining 2850. To say the Irish can fight is a bit of an understatement. They were the backbone of both the British and American militaries for a long time. When you look at history and see a British battle or victory just dig a little deeper to see the Irish contribution to that. Battle of Trafalgar 3,600 of the 12,000 sailors identified were Irish. Battle of Waterloo 30% of the troops under Wellingtons command were Irish. Peninsular War 35% of the troops were Irish. Crimean War, 30,000 of the 110,000 British troops were Irish. WW1 saw 250,000 Irishmen volunteer to fight which was 1 in 4 of all fighting aged men in Ireland. Everyone of them a volunteer as there was no conscription in Ireland. WW2 when Ireland was neutral 50,000 Irishmen volunteered. Boer war saw 50,000 Irishmen fighting. On and on it goes. Its like Irelands contribution in fighting for others has been forgotten and that is part of the reason Ireland is neutral, because the Irish were sick and tired of fighting for others. Yes in today's uncertain world Ireland needs to do more and stop sitting on the fence but historically when push has come to shove the Irish have stepped up.

[@KT-yk8mw]

I want Irland within NATO for the same reasons I wanted Sweden & Finland joined. It fills blank areas on the European map. The Rep. of Ireland within NATO is just as important for the western parts of Europe as Swedish & Finnish membership is for Arctic and Baltic countries. France has it's SSBNs in western France and the UK has its equivalent in Scotland. Both bases are relatively close to Ireland. It would be in all of Europe's interest if the Russians could not use Irish territorial waters to snoop on French and British strategic submarine forces. Ireland needs an Airforce and a Navy with the ability to counter Russian air assets, ships and submarines. If not checked, these weapons systems could shower western Europe with cruise missiles through Europe's back door, in which Ireland constitutes a great deal of. It's army mostly needs SAM-systems, truck launched surface-to-surface missiles against ships, and infantry to protect all assets mentioned. The Aussies decided not to by French Barracuda SSKs after all. Maybe the Irish could get them instead?

[@paxundpeace9970]

Sweden and Finland had already been part of the EU Defense Alliance still this will add capabilities and operational flexibility to have a broad range of options.

[@TheXTBoi]

As an EU citizen serving with the Reserve Defence Forces of the Irish Army, I wanted to provide some additional context. It seems your research may have been somewhat surface-level, perhaps relying heavily on Wikipedia. Many of the recommendations you make for the Irish military are already in progress. For example, there is an active plan for expanding the Air Force and, to a lesser extent, the Navy. While you rightly highlight manpower as a significant challenge, it's worth noting the current major recruitment drive for both the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Thanks. I didn't in fact use Wikipedia, but you're right that I should have dug a little deeper.

[@adrianspillett5854]

Your claim that the irish are anti semites is ridiculous. And that you equate anti Israeli sentiment with anti Jewish sentiment makes a joke of your"expertise" in the matter. What a dangerous and insidiously dispicable thing to declare to the entire Internet. Shame

[@davyjones1335]

Just saw, I am sure people have reported it already.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Why? I'd argue you need to hear it from somebody, so it might as well be me. Take it to heart and reflect, and do not school me on what antisemitism is or is not. If you want, school me on de Valera or Irish thinking about neutrality. In that case, I'm sure you know more than I, and I'm all ears.

[@alanmcgowan3457]

​​@@michaelshurkin613Dev was an Irish-American. His ethos was that he was Roman Catholic first, Irishman second. His policies were draconian and held Ireland back decades in progressing into a non-Agricultural society free from the shackles of the "Church". He very much kept the "Church" in power over the Irish society way beyond its time. Perhaps Dev was anti-semitic, but the Irish people are not. We are against aggressive invaders, be it Israel, Britain, ruZZia, China, the US, but not anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim, anti-Christian, anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist, anti any religion. It's in our constitution and unlike some recently elected idiots, we stand with ours, not a person/individual/demigod like tRump, Putler or Netanyahu. You need to come here and visit an Irish synagogue and see for yourself. The most famous one has a Mosque right across the road from it (South Circular Road, Dublin). No issues were every reported by either side (and I am sure that "there are/were fine people on both sides").

[@TheLastAngryMan01]

@@michaelshurkin613Is that the same de Valera after whom Ireland’s Jewish population named a forest in Israel in 1966? en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Éamon_de_Valera_Forest You Sir are a clown, with some decidedly half-baked ideas on Irish history and its contemporary society.

[@alannewman85]

@@michaelshurkin613 I think when it comes to 'need to hear' something, YOU have something that YOU need to hear. Protesting the butchery perpetrated by Hamas and the butchery perpetrated by the State Of Israel towards civilians in Palestine is one and the same thing.

[@Art-zr2fd]

First question, and I think you badly missed, who are they going to be fighting? Any issues they have had historically are actually with NATO members, Scandinavian, British, French, Dutch. If the Russians make it that far the game is already well over. Any investment for self protection should be for insurgency for after invasion….this is where they literally wrote the manual for everyone else and have proven the weaknesses of conventional warfare … Naval fleet is important for dealing with smuggling and criminality in general. your anti Irish rhetoric is unfortunate if rather humous.

[@michaelshurkin613]

What anti-Irish rhetoric? Anyway, Ireland has no clear enemies, which is why I'm not calling for splashing out on a huge military. I think all it really needs to do is be able to patrol its own waters and airspace. That's a minimal capability for a sovereign nation.

[@Art-zr2fd]

@ suggesting the Irish as anti semitic and to own it is clearly loaded against the Irish as a race. I enjoy your content Michael and I am not looking to get into an internet powwow, but honestly if the shoe was on the other foot you wouldn’t “own it”…

[@Art-zr2fd]

@ ironically it was a Jewish minister of defence, Alan Shatter, after the 2009 recession that completely destroyed the Irish defence forces…

[@paxundpeace9970]

​@@Art-zr2fdhe is clearly racist and antisemitic in his treatment and actions to comments made here. His entire disregard of the current situation in Gaza shows Libanon shows that.

[@davidallen9326]

You need to dissabuse yourself of the impression that Ireland is antisemitic. Most Irish find the disposession of Palestinians objectionable because Ireland experienced the same kind of treatment in the past. Your implication that the motive for our position regarding Israel is to shield us from some terror attack is plain wrong.

[@JohnSmith-tw6po]

Irish Jews have the impression Ireland is antisemitic and I care about their opinions on the subject a whole lot more than Irish lefties content to finger-wag the West while freeloading off of it.

[@davem2369]

Barely past the level of reading the Wikipedia on the subject and understanding of Ireland's stance on Israels behaviour. As someone who lives in Belfast and is frequently on assorted RAF bases this is a piss poor assessment. Your accusations of tankies and anti semites is childish and shows a limited understanding of politics outside of the US. Ireland does need to improve its autonomy but this as a demonstration of your "analytic" abilities is embarrassing.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Alternatively, you can take to heart that I know what I'm talking about when it comes to antisemitism, and thus should be taken seriously.

[@davem2369]

@michaelshurkin613 I didn't mention anti-semitism. I mentioned the stance Ireland has on the behaviour of Israel's government. I grew up somewhere where two religious groups killed each other over land, politics etc and that peace making is the area I work in. Have you considered that the problem many have is not due to antisemitism but because of bad political and military decisions in Israel. Netanyahus actions to avoid jail make Trump look even more like an amateur than usual. Ireland has spent decades on the border between Israel and Lebanon and lost soldiers because of it. Israel attacked their outpost again in the past couple of weeks. You really think that was an accident and something the Irish shouldn't be angry about?

[@Mugdorna]

I too would argue that the overall attitude of the Irish people towards Israel is aimed towards the actions of its Govt, rather than the Israeli people themselves. The Irish have immediate memories of oppression from an occupying power. I am almost 50. As a kid in South Ulster, I was held at gunpoint by British soldiers on a regular basis.

[@skeetzilla]

im from dublin. antisemitism is not acceptable here nor is any kind of discrimination or racial/ethnic/ whatever bias. people who protest for a ceasefire here explicitly do so from the angle of wanting peace while rejecting antisemitism. the only antisemitc people ive met are coolock says no crowd and they are not popularly accepted and i would not describe them as "tankies" lol

@@michaelshurkin613 You haven't a clue you pompous ignoramus.

[@rikulappi9664]

2-3 billion annually would buy the air and naval capabilities you mentioned. Finland uses about 6 billion/year for defence.

[@Mugdorna]

I would agree. However public spending in Ireland is very badly managed. It's an ongoing scandal. 2ndly, there is a very strong anti-war, pro-nuetrality sentiment in Ireland. Personally I feel we need to increase salaries and conditions to retain troops and sailors. The naval force and the army are at a suitable size. (Maybe 2 more ships for the navy) The latter is well equipped. The massive need is for actual fighter jets. Maybe 18-24, with 6 based abroad as a training fleet (Gripens, F-16s) Ireland currently only has a single airbase. They would need to build another facilities in Shannon (or maybe Galway or Knock*) *existing airport facilities

[@charlesd3a]

The Irish government spent the last 20 plus years to break up the Defence infrastructure that was in place...Ireland had a meaningful air corp that had jet aircraft and Anti submarine aircraft and vessels but the state had got rid of these capabilities. Radar had been built by Irish companies and sold around the world and are great designers of military, emergency vehicles and heavy duty machinery. Many Irish designed vehicles are being used around the world even by American, Australia, France, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, Belgium, Mexico, Argentina and Russian forces..airport fire rescue vehicles are amongst the vehicles designed.

[@kiwifruitpoo]

We never had anti sub aircraft and the jets were a token force of trainers for air displays not air defence and retired in the 90’s.

[@gleejoh]

Casual accusation of the Irish being anti semites with zero substantiation. Appalling.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Not the point of this video. I could make that, if you want. Meanwhile, the Irish casually accuse Israel of all sorts of things.

[@ailinofaolin8897]

Israel documents it's crimes for the world to see, Irish accusations are nothing more than stating the obvious.

[@josephmarshall7969]

​@@michaelshurkin613 please take this as a genuine question, as I am very interested in the logic you're employing to accuse all Irish people, including me, of Antisemitism. At what point does criticism of the foreign or domestic policy of the government of the Nation State of Israel cease to be antisemitic? If say, Israel were to attack and occupy parts of Cyprus due to some disagreement of eastern Mediterranean drilling rights or something, would I be antisemitic by criticizing that? I know it's a hypothetical, and I'm certain Israel and Cyprus would easily reach a mutually beneficial agreement on such things, I'm just interested in finding the limits of your logic. Thanks.

[@arnovriends5873]

visit

[@pissflapsmcmahon]

@@michaelshurkin613 nothing casual about the accusations, they are in black and white, care to refute them? and, its not just the Irish calling Israel out on its genocide , and make no mistake, its genocide

[@ItzKenzo420]

As a proud Irishman I've been saying this for years now we need to be able to hold our own especially joining NATO on top of that, I was wondering would you make a video about why Ireland should join Nato?

[@michaelshurkin613]

I just thought the subject was interesting. That's it. And I enjoy the exercise of thinking through what sort of military does nation X need to meet Y requirements.

[@andrewcombe8907]

The Irish Rangers have been deployed on multiple UN peacekeeping missions from East Timor to Mali which is great but you need more than a few pipehitters or a glorified SWAT team to be able to defend yourself.

[@michaelshurkin613]

I site the Rangers many to make clear that while I might criticize Irish defence policy, I mean no disrespect to Irish as fighters. I did a video about Italy and was appalled all the commentors who piled on to make fun of Italians as warriors. I don't think that's fair at all. Italian soldiers are worth a good deal on the battlefield. As do the Irish.

[@tomrooney3223]

The Irish Army Ranger wing is a tier 1 Special Operations Unit, their training is on par with any western special forces unit. Several times they have beaten US and British SF snipers in competition.

[@terencejohnodonnell1609]

Against who????

[@alannewman85]

@@michaelshurkin613 Your ignorance is starting to show. I don't know what sort of imaginary phd you have, but I thought you'd have been able to spell 'Cite' correctly.

[@cillianmccarthy7570]

I have to say there is very little Anti semitism in Ireland, many irish people dislike the Israeli military but that is not a hatred of the Israeli people or jewish people just to clarify....

[@peterbond9624]

Incredibly ill-informed and deeply racist video Im afraid to say, however well meaning the author seems to be - as you know nothing about the Irish Defense Forces - which are the most highly sought after and most deployed armed force in the UN history since Ireland joined. The Irish Rangers while very small and under armed, are among the best special forces in the world - and provide protection for numerous heads of state - albeit quietly. A single unarmed retired Irish Ranger along with his SAS colleague saved 320 people from the Kenya shopping center attack and held off 40 terrorists for 4 hours. It took 400 local troops and 4 days to quell the attack after he left - but the single Ranger had taken out almost 50% of the terrorists AND saved hundreds civilians from execution after being shot himself. Thats a public story but there are most others. Your perception about Irish attitudes toward Israel is totally wrong. Ireland was one of the most prominent supporters of the creation of the State of Israel - since the 1880s. Irish attitudes turned negative after Israel's illegal invasion of Lebanon in 1982 - for which the UN declared Sharon a war criminal and after Israeli troops fired on and killed several Irish UN peacekeepers. The Irish people sided with the Palestinians due to their heavy oppression by Israel military - just as the Irish were vocal supporters South Africans struggle for independence. The Irish stay true to their principles regardless of the situation. You should read your history and literature - in the late 19th / early 20th century Dublin was epi-center of Zionist in the whole of Europe. The later Balfour Declaration was dreamt up in Dublin. Joyce's Ulysses book describes the day in the life of a Dublin jew who answers a local newspaper advertisement looking to buy land in Palestine. Irish jews were the largest group to establish such purchases in all of Europe. Dublin has a thriving Jewish community for centuries - it elected 3 generations of the same jewish family Lord Mayor of Dublin. Long before any American city did so. Irish jews helped gain independence and were in most Irish cabinets since. And De Valera did insert a clause in Ireland's 1937 Constitution protecting jews specifically as they were afraid of the anti-semitism sweeping Europe. Ireland was the only country to offer such official protection. Individual Irish helped save Jews during WW2 such as Monsignor O'Flathery who smuggled thousands of Jews out of Nazi occupied Italy. And Ireland took in Jewish orphans after the war before sending them to Israel. So please stop parroting anti-Irish tropes from Israeli Govt / IDF propaganda and do your own research.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Lol. Racist? Tell me, is it safe for a visibly Jewish person to walk the streets of Dublin? Is it racist to demonize Jews or isn't it?

[@peterbond9624]

@@michaelshurkin613 I dont know what angle you are pushing - but there is no underlying anti-semitism in Ireland as there is in many European countries. I know many leading Jewish leaders and they would agree. And most were part of Irish Cabinets since 1922. Do not confuse anti-semitism with the fact Ireland does indeed strongly support the Palestinian people as an oppressed minority and is highly vocal in that support - just as Ireland supported South Africans during apartheid and Nelson Mandela came over upon his release to thank the Irish people - and just as Ireland strongly supported Jews from mid-19th century against attacks in Russia, Eastern Europe and later WW2. Ireland has a long and proud history of supporting oppressed peoples everywhere and throughout history - look at the history of the Irish in the fight for independence of the US and Canada, or just about every South American country, much of Africa and of course India - which adopted the Irish flag as its own in recognition of of Irelands's vocal support for Indian independence among many other British colonies.

[@josephmarshall7969]

​​​@@michaelshurkin613to answer your question, professor, yes it is safe to walk around Dublin as an openly Jewish person. It always has been and it always will be. There is not one recorded attack on a Jewish person in Dublin, or the rest of Ireland, in recent history. I'll be happy to take you for a walk around Dublin anytime. Would be delighted to be given the opportunity to change your mind. if you're afraid of people disagreeing with you in a civil manner, well, I can't help you there.

[@josm100]

​@@peterbond9624thank you for your intelligent, thoughtful, and knowledgeable reply on this issue. I'm sorry he did not reply in kind, but with just more bigoted comments. it occurs to me that his attacks against Irish people in the comments are so hateful and disgusting, that he must be trying to gode someone into attacking Jewish people so he can say "look! See!" Must be really messing with his ignorant world view that not one Irish person has (as far as I can tell). Can you imagine the vitriol that would populate these pages if he attacked almost any other country like he has Ireland, especially the United States. I hope he's learning something.

[@TheLastAngryMan01]

⁠@@josephmarshall7969He seems to be unaware of the synagogue at Terenure, which is only a few miles from Dublin’s city centre, pending its sale.

[@bheg914]

He literally has no idea what he is talking about in relation to politics in Ireland. Where is he getting his info, TikTok ?.

[@JohnSmith-tw6po]

The Irish President Michael Higgins sent a love letter to the new Iranian President calling him a great leader for peace - this guy was behind the massacre of girls protesting in Iran for not wearing hijabs. This was accidentally leaked by the Iranian embassy - when there was uproar about this, Higgins falsely blamed Israel for the letter leaking. Higgins supported a viciously anti-semitic regime then blamed Jews when he got caught.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Higgins flirting with Iran and blaming Jews for getting caught was classic. But just the tip of the iceberg.

[@rkevo9112]

Some people think everything is religin related rather than taking responsibility for actions ​@@michaelshurkin613

[@pissflapsmcmahon]

@@michaelshurkin613 the president followed diplomatic protocol with another nation we have diplomatic relations with, how is this new to you? stop trying to defend the the MURDER of the civilians in Gaza, and maybe just maybe the world will stop calling Israel out on its atrocious ways , care to tell what was under this iceberg ? because i can bet Israel has done much much much worse in one day that the Irish president has done in a lifetime, calling Israel out on its barbarism is not antisemitic and you know it

[@elzorro7of9]

​@@michaelshurkin613 Stay out of Ireland, Please and thanks

[@victorocallaghan6791]

Ireland is not anti semetic. Our former Minister of Justice Alan Shatter is a Jew. The jewish community were very involved in gaining Irish Independence. We are against the out right slaughter of innocent women and children in Gaza. No one in Ireland supprted Hamas when Israel was attacked on Oct 7th. Israel recklessly killing innocent people is terrible

[@michaelshurkin613]

Grow up. And maybe talk to some Irish Jews.

[@michaelmulligan0]

Alan Shatter was also Minister of Defence

[@setyeva0]

@@michaelshurkin613 Michael you are way out of line with that antisemitic jibe. You should be cautious in its use /over use, calling someone or a people antisemitic is now quickly becoming a modern day trope, used predominately by the Israeli government and its supporters to suppress any legitimate argument or indeed negativity surrounding their actions. Neither government nor Irish are antisemitic. It my not suit your sensibilities that the Irish people recognize oppression and the genocide being perpetrated by Netanyahu and his government. I, as an Irishman along with many Jewish people recognizes the failings of the West and the duplicity of some in their dealings with Israel and its atrocities. PS: "Grow up" is not a very intelligent way of rebutting the points Victors made. It's obvious you are quite bankrupt regarding that debate.

[@setyeva0]

Michael you are way out of line with that antisemitic jibe. You should be cautious in its use /over use, calling someone or a people antisemitic is now quickly becoming a modern day trope, used predominately by the Israeli government and its supporters to suppress any legitimate argument or indeed negativity surrounding their actions. Neither government nor Irish are antisemitic. It my not suit your sensibilities that the Irish people recognize oppression and the genocide being perpetrated by Netanyahu and his government. I, as an Irishman along with many Jewish people recognizes the failings of the West and the duplicity of some in their dealings with Israel and its atrocities. PS: "Grow up" is not a very intelligent way of rebutting the points Victors made. It's obvious you are quite bankrupt regarding that debate. PPS: second time to post this, it seems the powers that be dislikes the truth as well.

[@thewingedhussar4188]

I would think adopting a similar strategy to the British would be best. Rely on allies, but making the Irish navy, cyber security, and air force as strong as possible. While the army and marines full fill a generalist role/attack & defense role. The army defends the home island (+ Un roles) and marines are sent out to attack would be attackers. Like say if pirates kidnapped Irish citizens, the marines are sent to take care of them. The navy, airforce, and cyber security get the most funding. They deal with saboteurs and possible enemy ship, missile, air, & cyber attacks. Since Ireland is going to be nuetral, they need to be like a porcupine.

[@jeremiahreilly9739]

"Don't get me going on Switzerland." Oh? You can't make that comment and not follow up. -Swiss guy What kind of military should Ireland have? Surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities. P-8s are relatively cheap at $150 million a pop. With your 1% of GDP budget, Ireland could buy say 2 per year over 6 to 10 years and build up a decent capacity. The waters north of Ireland (and Scotland to the east) are crucial access channels for Russian shipping (and Russian submarines). How about some coastal anti-submarine helicopters? Air and sea drones for coastal defense? Submarines like Sweden's? Anti-submarine frigates? If Ireland was willing to give up neutrality, but stay relatively unmilitarized, then maybe special tactical units which would support other conflicts judiciously: Digital warfare, special ops, search and rescue, drone units.…and 30 F-35s. *Edit:* Perun (on KZbin) has an excellent video discussing how a small nation with limited resources and specific needs ought to implement a sensible military budget: Defence Strategy for Small Nations.

[@knoll9812]

Wonky logic De Valera is a century ago and that is his reference

[@josephmarshall7969]

There is a Forrest named in De Velara's honor in Israel too, commissioned by the Irish Jewish Community in honor of his life long defence of the Irish Jewish Community. But this KZbinr is relying on his anti-irish sentiments rather than Wikipedia, I guess.

[@demos113]

Slamming the anti-semitism button on us is a poor distraction for the antics of Bibi. The rest of the vid is an okish take on things.

[@JohnSmith-tw6po]

Bro, I'm Irish - the levels of denial Irish people go through to pretend there is not a signficant anti-semitism issue here is damning. Do you think the Chief Rabbi was lying when he said Irish Jews are living in fear?

[@paulodriscoll5419]

There is a difference between fear and paranoia. Cite all these antisemitic events. There is plenty of anti Israel and anti Zionism, with good cause, but don’t get that confused with antisemitism.

@@JohnSmith-tw6po You're about as Irish as a plastic leprechaun hat.

[@liamhowlin7676]

​@@JohnSmith-tw6pocalling this out as pure garbage. The Holocaust feelings since OCT7 attacks by Hamas are the fear creator here not Irish people.

[@pepperfan111]

@@JohnSmith-tw6po bro your taken a quote out of context he said irish jews are living in fear due to world events at the end he went on tosay ireland is one of the safest countries for jews and has not had any major incidents of anti semitism compared with USA and Europe , the chief rabbi of Ireland said that.

[@Mugdorna]

De Valera's expression of condolence was towards the German people. It was in no way an expression of support towards Hitler. Yes, it was a silly move. But it was presented as a diplomatic message. DeValera was a bit weird. His influence on Ireland held it back during the 1950s and 1960s.

[@skeetzilla]

i dont know anyone in ireland that actually defends de valera on this one .

[@MK3-ln2wf]

Although I Disagree with Ireland being anti-Semitism I Don't believe Ireland is racist in any form I would totally agree if we would beef up our military love the Idea of second hand f-16s But I do not support Hamza either no time for that group I feel that Palatine should be supported with charity for the kids not Hamza

[@GSteel-rh9iu]

Ireland and Spain have spoken out against g$*%#(cide.

[@michaelshurkin613]

The genocide you imagine, a lie conjured up to deny Jews the right to defend themselves from people who would destroy them. But no, it's antisemitic.

[@jamiegrant5955]

​@@michaelshurkin613 Oh so there we have it; the UNCHR are liars. Or perhaps your sucking up the war-time propaganda of a certain politician who is facing corruption charges in Israel; a certain politician who is leveraging and prolonging this conflict in an effort to delay the charges against him.

[@smackles6435]

@@michaelshurkin613 Again man, the logic you are using is eerily reminiscent of a certain political figure from pre-WWII - Late WWII. Having a defense force to enforce a states own soverign borders and laws is a defence force. Invading two other soverign nations and taking prisoners, is not a particularily defensive posture, and much more akin to a conventional military alligned in securing the sate's interests abroad. Yes, the Germans may have done such horrific things in the past to a greater degree, but I think knowing what happened in history, for it to only be repeated at a smaller scale by the originally purpotrated group, and to act as if it isn't the same, only just shows evolution in humanity's propensity for war and domination (Both not good) at best, or perhaps even wilfull ignorance of the past. Again as I said before, you absolutely MUST provide sources for each of these claims you make, both for- & against- your position. You're role as an academic is to disseminate non-biased information in detail so the audience can make their own assumptions. Inserting your own beliefs into this, makes it an opinion, which as you should know, is complete academic mispractice for the type of content you are trying to create.

[@josephmarshall7969]

@michaelshurkin613 please take this as a genuine question, as I am very interested in the logic you're employing to accuse all Irish people, including me, of Antisemitism. At what point does criticism of the foreign or domestic policy of the government of the Nation State of Israel cease to be antisemitic? If say, Israel were to attack and occupy parts of Cyprus due to some disagreement over eastern Mediterranean drilling rights or something, would I be antisemitic by criticizing that? I know it's a hypothetical, and I'm certain Israel and Cyprus would easily reach a mutually beneficial agreement on such things, I'm just interested in finding the limits of your logic. Thanks.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Super valid question. It becomes antisemitic when it becomes an argument against Israel's existence, or demonization. Sometimes arguments are against Israel's existence without the arguer being witting of that fact. It also becomes really sketchy when one in effect is defending those who wish to destroy Israel and kills its inhabitants. Defending antisemites often is tantamount to being antisemitic. If you're justifying Hamas, for example... Calling oneself an "anti-Zionist" almost always is bullshit. Anti-Zionism = believing Jews don't have a right to self-determination and living as anything other than a persecuted minority. Yes, it technically is possible for anti-Zionism to not be antisemitism, but in most cases they are the same, and the person who calls himself an anti-Zionism is just pretending.

[@josephmarshall7969]

@michaelshurkin613 thank you for the intelligent, comprehensive reply. It was much more fitting to the difficult subject at hand than some of the other, quite disrespectful, quips you have employed. The vast, vast majority of Irish people do not question Israel's right to exist, nor does the Irish government. What we disagree with are the excesses of the State of Israel with regard to the Palestinian question. Nor do we disagree with Israel's right to defend itself as a sovereign nation. What we disagree with are when these actions stray from self defence, or even offensive actions against its enemies, and into action that whether intentional or not, targets thousands of innocent civilians. The vast majority of Irish people do not support the actions of Hamas or those other feckers with the unspellable name in southern Lebanon. Support for Israel's right to exist should not be predicated on accepting the Palestine people do not have a right to exist. To test the logic of your assertion. If say Ireland had one policy towards Israel, that was exclusive to Israel and no other country, that Ireland supported other nations in their war to subjugate other people, (Russia vs Ukraine, China vs Tibet, for example) I would agree with you. That would look unapologetically antisemitic. But Ireland is consistent in its foreign policy in these regards. On top of this, there are plenty of people in the United States who express clear antisemitic views, but are never-the-less ardent supporters of Israel in their war (as they see it) against Islam. If one can be antisemitic while still expressing blind support for Israel, can't one not be antisemitic while questioning some of Israel's actions? This is another genuine question. Are you concerned about attaching the entire Jewish faith to the actions of a nation whose government could be hijacked in the future by extremist forces that could set the country on a truly indefensible path? Would it not be better to maintain at least a tacit separation between the two. After all, there are many people of the Jewish faith that currently do not agree with the actions of the Israeli government, should they not have the opportunity to expect their views to be respected by every other nation in the world. I'm not trying to catch you out or engage in a tiktok exchange, I'm genuinely here to learn. I've never had the opportunity to speak to an expert on antisemitism before. For me, linking antisemitism to criticism of the excesses of the Israeli State does not abide, I can clearly distinguish between the two. I have no hatred in my heart for any person of the Jewish tradition, quite the opposite actually.

[@3richardrussell]

In the main, I found this video thoughtful and interesting. When your comments are within the scope of defence analysis, force composition etc I find little to criticize. That said, like others I find the unsubstantiated claim of anti-semitism being common in Ireland unfortunate. For that to be true, Ireland would have to be an unsafe place for Jews to live which it simply isn't. There's a historical affinity for the broader Palestinian cause based on a shared understanding of settler colonialism, but that isn't the same thing at all.

[@michaelshurkin613]

It is unsafe. Ask Irish Jews.

[@3richardrussell]

@@michaelshurkin613 Honestly, I'll look into it. I still have family there. I'll write to the main synagogue in Dublin and see what they say. I don't want to see anybody ill treated for who they are.

[@jgw9990]

​@@3richardrussellThe Irish are quite happy to associate with Americans who are also settler colonialists. What's different there? Is it time? Or that America eliminated 99% of the Natives and so the remnants are easier to ignore? Just curious.

@@jgw9990 You're just ignorant and gullible like the clown who made this video.

@@michaelshurkin613 Your dozy assertions are fiction.

[@alanmckenna1137]

Photo in the river wasn't Army Ranger Wing . You said Britain instead of Ireland. No sheriffs in Irelands police force . Irelands gun / drug crime may lower if a proper navy patrolled it's waters. A really enjoyable brilliant insight , I enjoyed this .

[@michaelshurkin613]

The story about the sheriff might well be 100% nonsense. But it was a good story.

[@Rumpelstyltskin]

An Irish ship captain carrying Guinness from Ireland to the UK was one of the most important people to the Irish economy, what a comment. And how ignorant and disparaging.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Uh, I was joking?

[@Rumpelstyltskin]

@@michaelshurkin613 I don't find it very funny and neither do most Irish people.

[@Ganymede559]

@@Rumpelstyltskin It was true in the famine years, lol.

[@goldiefish72]

@@Rumpelstyltskin Chill out pal. Guinness were one of the biggest employers in Dublin for over 200 years. The Miranda Guinness and the Lady Patricia were unique ships that brought bulk guinness to the UK until about 20 years ago and were a familiar sight on Dublins John Rogersons Quay. It's still one of our biggest exports.

[@Rumpelstyltskin]

@@goldiefish72 "Were"....

[@bensmith5413]

Binge watched your channel today. Great coverage and expertise. Thank you for making these. Maybe something on the baltics? Especially estonia please as uk forces are forward deployed there.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, thinking about it. A lot already has been said, so I'm waiting until I figure out a worthwhile angle.

[@mbp1646]

This is a really insightful and timely analysis. I have some thoughts as to why this situation exists: 1. Simple economic self interest: Why spend money when the UK and US were willing to spend it for us? 2. Naive belief that nothing could ever go wrong. We are a small island on the western edge of the continent. Who would ever want to invade us? 3. Reliance on diplomacy (both explicit and implicit). While Ireland has completely neglected the military side of things we have long punched well above our weight diplomatically. This is not an accident it is both a deep cultural trait and government policy to try and be on friendly terms with everyone. We would rather conquer our enemies with a friendly conversation and a shared pint than with bombs and bullets. Unfortunately all of these reasons are looking very questionable in the modern world. Isolationism is on the rise which undermines number 1. Number 2 was always naive but just how naive it is has been highlighted by recent conflicts. Number 3 is still valid and I would argue is still a sensible approach for the Irish Government because we are very good at it but the world is becoming more polarised and it is becoming harder and harder to sit on the fence and not choose sides.

[@mbp1646]

As to your question of why Ireland wouldn't spend more on its military even for the sake of some autonomy I wonder if this is some kind of post colonial holdover. Throughout the long period of British control Irish people maintained a sense of national identity and a sense of what things are important that was seperate from the identity and things that were important to the British ruling authorities. Even after achieving indepedence we managed to maintain this duality. We were (and in some ways still are) hugely dependent on Britain. We use their language and for many years we used their currency. We eagerly consume British media and follow British sports. We borrow everything from legal precedents to industrial standards from our bigger neighbours. Yet the abltiy to keep things seperate has enabled us to hold a sense of national pride and identity despite being so dependent on the UK. Defending these islands is just another thing that we rely on the UK for so we put it in the box along with the other things that don't define our national identity.

[@damianlynch5977]

I think you got most of Irelands defence needs correct, a modern MLRS system for the army & a fleet of 6 to 8 high speed corvette size vessels for the navy would be the way to go.

[@patbrennan1284]

As a retired Gunner of the Irish Army Reserve, your over-view is so true, it is terrible for Ireland. I think most here do not believe that neutrality needs to be enforced, by deigning your land, sea and air to all combatant forces.

[@DizzyAstro]

I would agree with the general point of this video (albeit with quibbles about a few of the side-points), but one thing that's worth pointing out is that Ireland's GDP does not reflect it's income and ability to spend in the same way that it does for other nations. Basically Ireland's GDP is artificially inflated. GNI (Gross National Income) is generally accepted to be more reflective of reality for Ireland. Defence spending as a proportion of GNI is still very very low, but increasing to 1% would likely not result in €5 billion.

[@michaelshurkin613]

I've heard stuff like that about Ireland's GDP and the idea that its prosperity might be hollow. Still, it's more prosperous than it has been in the past, which is good news. Not that long ago Irish peasants had to sell themselves into slavery in the US, or sort of like that.

[@TopYOLOTop]

Big ask… but could you possibly at some point make a video in regards to the South African military, maybe how you would go about reforming it and basing it off a realistic budget increase. Or maybe the strategic importance of a strong South African military. Definitely reaching a bit from my side but would be interesting for me. Love the videos.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Great idea. Thank you

[@TopYOLOTop]

@@michaelshurkin613 oh my goodness thank you!!

[@irelandcountryedits416]

Im irish and i love how this guy instead of insulting out small military capabilities says stuff like “im sure their very good at what they do they just dont have alot of them”

[@michaelshurkin613]

Quality and quantity are two different things.

[@AlphaConde-qy7vi]

Extremely bizarre rant about "anti-semitism", unwelcome in these sorts of videos.

[@davewolfy2906]

Agreed. Our comments just up his KZbin ratings. Cheap.

[@JohnSmith-tw6po]

Irish people >Can't take responsibility for our language >Can't take responsibility for our national defence >Can't take responsibility for our laughably obvious Anti-semitism It's embarassing and I say this as an Irish person.

[@JohnSmith-tw6po]

Local Jews feel quite unwelcome here in Ireland so it helps give you an idea how they feel.

[@paulodriscoll5419]

Nonsense. If they are pro Israel Jews perhaps they feel that way much like openly MAGA idiots feel

[@noeldoyle4501]

​@@JohnSmith-tw6poWhy would they? I have never heard or seen anti-Semitism in over sixty years here in Ireland. If Jewish people here in Ireland really want to feel very safe, let them show as Jews, in public, that they condemn Zionist brutality in Palestine. Most Irish people know the difference between Jews, and Zionists.

[@owen-ck3bi]

10% of the comments- discussing irelands military expenditure 90% of the comments- complaining about the anti semitism accusation and the author reponding dismissively.

[@michaelshurkin613]

I am dismissive of people explaining what antisemitism is, usually with arguments that confirm 1) they are antisemites, and 2) the Irish don't know enough about Israel/Palestine to realize their historical experience is 100% irrelevant. Now, those who wish to correct me re: Ireland's military are welcome.

[@owen-ck3bi]

@michaelshurkin613 is it anti semitic to call out the Israeli government when I think their actions are morally wrong?

[@josm100]

​@@michaelshurkin613you seem to know almost nothing about Irish history. You are literally the least qualified person on this thread to judge whether the Irish experience is relevant or not. Maybe your knowledge of Irishness is gleaned from the plastic paddies that call themselves Irish-Americans. They are not Irish, they are Americans, just like you. Our history is etched into our DNA, we know it intimately just as the Jewish people know theirs. The tree remembers but the axe forgets. In this regard, at this time in history, you are the axe.

[@josm100]

​@@michaelshurkin613 since you are so ignorant of our history, here is where you should start: population. Irish history is a tale of demographics, you cannot understand anything about the Irish psyche and why we think the way we do without understanding this. ChatGPT will assist.... Spoiler alert, Ireland is the only country (continuous political entity) on earth to have a smaller population now than it did in 1845, at 80% the value. Estimating the population of Ireland in 1900 without the Great Famine (1845-1852) involves speculative analysis based on historical trends. Here's a fair estimate based on various assumptions: 1. Pre-Famine Growth Rates: Before the famine, Ireland's population was growing rapidly. From 1781 to 1841, the population increased from about 4 million to 8.2 million, a compound annual growth rate of approximately 1.25%. 2. Famine's Impact: The famine caused approximately 1 million deaths and 1-2 million emigrations in its immediate aftermath. The subsequent decades saw continued high emigration rates, further stalling population growth. 3. Scenario Without the Famine: Assuming: A steady (but slightly declining) growth rate of around 1% per year from 1841 onward, as agricultural constraints and other economic factors might have naturally slowed growth. Less emigration due to better living conditions. The population could have reached about 10-12 million by 1900, depending on assumptions about fertility rates, emigration levels, and economic development. Key Considerations: Economic Changes: Without the famine, Ireland might have industrialized more significantly, affecting population dynamics. Global Trends: Larger population pressures could have still led to emigration but likely at reduced levels compared to the famine-driven exodus. This estimate contrasts with the actual population of about 4.5 million in 1900, underscoring the long-term demographic impact of the famine. The actual population of Ireland in 1901 was approximately 4.46 million, according to the 1901 Irish Census. This marked a significant decline from the 8.2 million recorded in 1841, before the Great Famine, due to the famine's effects, high levels of emigration, and a reduced birth rate over the intervening decades. Me *1961 was actually the lowest point of Irish population since the 1750s or possibly even the late 1600s. Not even the Russians or North Koreans have this population history.* Back to ChatGPT..... Estimating Ireland's 1961 population in a hypothetical scenario where the Great Famine didn’t occur and Ireland was treated as an equal part of the UK is speculative but can be approached using historical trends and analogies with similar regions. Here's a possible projection: --- Key Assumptions 1. Pre-Famine Growth Continuation: Ireland's population was 8.2 million in 1841, growing at about 1.25% annually in the decades leading up to the famine. This growth might have naturally slowed due to land and resource constraints but could have continued steadily under better conditions. 2. Economic Parity with the UK: If Ireland were treated as an equal part of the UK, it might have industrialized more rapidly, reducing emigration by offering better employment opportunities and improving living standards. Fertility and mortality rates would likely mirror those of other UK regions. 3. Analogies with Neighboring Regions: Comparing Ireland to Scotland or Wales, which also experienced emigration but retained a significant portion of their population growth due to industrialization, provides a useful framework. --- Projected Population in 1961 Without the famine and under equitable treatment, Ireland’s population might have grown at a moderate rate, reaching 12-15 million by 1961. This estimate assumes: A decline in fertility over time (mirroring global trends in industrialized regions). Limited emigration, balanced by natural population growth and urbanization. --- Comparison with Actual Data The actual population of Ireland in 1961 was 2.8 million for the Republic and 4.2 million for the entire island. The difference indicates a loss of 8-11 million people, reflecting the combined long-term effects of the famine, emigration, and colonial policies that stunted Ireland's economic development. --- Conclusion Had Ireland avoided the famine and been treated equitably in the UK rather than as a colonial possession, its population could have resembled that of other regions with similar pre-industrial conditions, making 1961’s population of 12-15 million a reasonable projection. This highlights the devastating demographic and economic impact of both the famine and British governance.

[@michaelshurkin613]

@owen-ck3bi You won't like my answer, but here it is: It depends.

[@dbrennan6041]

The defence policy of Irish political parties is also rooted in the War of Independence and the subsequent Civil War, which produced hundreds of thousands of hardened veterans for the government to avoid antagonising. It took decades for that obstacle to 'better EU governance' to die off, and they don't want to grow that mentality again. Especially given how genocidally anti-Irish the EU's Member State in Ireland is today, just because most of the natives kept voting correctly against them. Irish politicians are entirely focused on their mass colonisation programme (to deal with the native blocking majority and serve as a recruitment pool in case of another civil war) and on sucking up to international war-mongers (to avoid the consequences of their actions domestically and become part of the international gang.) They have no interest in defending the Irish nation, which they want gone. If the EU becomes a country, its colony in Ireland probably won't contribute much anyway. They will do all of those agreements, and military gifts, and photo-shoots, but they will not benefit from being friends with the EU or NATO. Such organisations have been nothing but a detriment to Irish people (forced to cover everyone else's banking losses in 2010, high energy costs this year, etc.) Neutrality is more in our interest. It's also in the interest of the politicians given their presence on Russia's list of people to arrest. If the Russians, British, and French want to play around in Irish airspace and EEZ, there's nothing we could do even if we had effective weaponry to use. Is it freeloading, or realpolitik? I would think a better armed navy is probably most important, with some submarines. Some Russian anti-air systems wouldn't go astray. A trained militia would easily supplement the small army, and serve better in case of an invasion.

[@michaelshurkin613]

I don't think subs are necessary. They are expensive to maintain.

[@jamesjanson6129]

You didn't address what the Irish armies purpose is.Its primiarliy an aid to the Govt of Ireland to deal with internal emergencies[IE insurrection,which is still an inherited fear from the civil war and participating in UN-mandated peace forces. Therefore it will always lean heavily on land forces.IF Ireland was truly serious about staying neutral and having an army.It would need conscription online with the Swiss model of both sexes.It's best defence plan if invaded would be to revert to a well organised civilian gureilla army to make the country ungovernable and as unpleasant to occupy. Its biggest problem will be as Ireland does get more sucked into the EU is the requirement to train,equip and participate in EU battle groups and the loss of the Triple lock which means the IDF can only be used in combat if mandated by the Irish govt,President of Ireland the UN.BSo yes Ireland might have to equip a heavy brigade to assist in EU defence in some future conflict. As it stands if things were to get ugly with a NATO /Russia conflict.I doubt very much that Irelands "Shure we're neutral!" would mean much if the UK or USA needs to station patrol ships in Cork or Foynes to guard the Atlantic Com cables.

[@Paincaster1]

Im from Ireland and i agree with everything you said and i believe most other Irish people would too,the problem is our goverment,its always either fianna fail or fianna gael who has power,they take turns running the country or as alot of Irish people would say ruining the country,we have a massive housing problem and our health care is a sorry state and its all from lack of funding from the goverment,so if the goverment were to splash out five billion on jets and missles instead of the homeless that might become an issue and would more than likely end there chances of getting re-elected into goverment

[@paxundpeace9970]

Housing affordability is a mjor issue in ireland and land cost and wages are high too.

[@dublinairportplanes]

"our goverment,its always either fianna fail or fianna gael who has power" thats called democracy, a shin fein, people before profit wank stain.

[@BoB10]

I'm Irish and may i say thousands of Irish men and women were fighting in both ww's a lot were killed they were from the south and the north, and apart from that there was a civil war here in the country for many years. the cables you speak of goes both to and from Europe to Canada and the USA so they are as important to these countries as they are to us in Ireland, the Irish Navy are a few small ships nothing that you would put against most war ships from anywhere, If the country is rich now it was not always it was mostly a poor country people left to find a better life and I do not mean to long ago and with such a small population I don't see where the military staff would come from,

[@michaelshurkin613]

I saw that an Irish official just announced a recruitment drive. I wish him luck.

[@BoB10]

@@michaelshurkin613 well there are plenty of forginers living here with no jobs so they'll have plenty to choose from .

[@5220267]

Interesting video. You should make one about Iceland. The only NATO country without an army, navy and air force.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Not sure what there is to say..Iceland's main contribution is a huge one: letting the US use its territory and airspace.

[@michaelmulligan0]

And was invaded by the allies during WW2

[@videre8884]

In various pseudo-scientific racial theories, the Jews were referred to as "Semites" because the Hebrews were a Semitic people. In order to substantiate anti-Semitism "scientifically" (and no longer just religiously), the "Semites" were declared to be an "inferior race" that was incapable of an independent culture. This is where the term anti-Semitism came from (people who were hostile to the Jews called themselves anti-Semites). Anti-Semites like Eugen Dühring went so far as to describe the Jews as the "worst group" of the Semites, who were hated even by the other Semites (Arabs).[1] At the same time, the anti-Semites assumed that the Jews were not pure Semites, but, according to Theodor Fritsch, a mixed race consisting mainly of the "Semitic (oriental, Arabic) race" and the "Near Eastern (Armenian, Assyriac) race", with 90% of Jews belonging to the latter group.[2] Towards the end of the Nazi era, the self-designation "anti-Semites" - also with regard to Arab allies - was abolished and replaced, for example, with "anti-Jews". Even in the 19th century, Dühring preferred to see anti-Semitism understood as "anti-Hebraism".

[@UvekOn]

On what they spend all that money, 1,5B USD, when they have so small army? I understand that they have higher costs of living but army of 7k personel and with no air force, navy, heavy weapons etc... to spend that much money??? On what? Just like German army, budget huge and army small, underequipped, with poor maintenance... same problem with other western armies. In Serbia, our army of over 30k with air force, more then 300 tanks, hundreds of APC's, serious artillery, new radars, AA defence etc... also have budget of 1,5B USD. Salary of Serbian and Irish soldiers are like night and day but all that equpment in Serbian army is menteined and operational with that budget. It seems that Irish MOD is the best employer in the world, and Irish soldiers are millionaires with that kind of money they have.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Good questions.

[@josephkavanagh7665]

Start from the top. Budget 2025 = €1,349,696,000 for defence Minus pensions: €329,327,000 Minus pay & allowances: €595,750,000 It's a relatively well paid job.... a trained equivalent to the Private First Class rank earns €40,000 A brand new commissioned officer starts at €48,500.... and this increases year after year. That leaves €425 million for all of the procurement and operational & support costs.

[@UvekOn]

@@josephkavanagh7665 Our MOD budget don't have army pensions, army pensions are payed from civilian PIO fond like any other pensions in the country, so at least our MOD have a little more money for other things to spend. But again 425 mil EUR is a lot of money considering the size of the army and equipment you have, like all the costs are over inflated, and budget and money management is rely bad. Looks like bureaucracy and mismanagement eating all the money like in Germany.

[@ceoltoirgaolach5277]

@@josephkavanagh7665 Check pay for 2nd lieutenant

[@humphreytull7043]

Hi Michael, found this really interesting as a New Zealander and was surprised to hear that as a country with similar population to Ireland but maybe only 60% of their GDP that our armed forces are larger and possess more combat capability with the new P8s and the recently upgraded frigates. However, we do tend to rely Australia and I wonder if you could make a similar assessment and recommendations about our armed forces to boost our autonomy. Thanks for your consideration.

[@Shamrock100]

There is a strategic plan to expand and improve the capabilities of the Irish Defence Forces. However I expect that it will take more than a decade to achieve even a moderate upgrading. With regard to air defence, the first objective is to procure and get operational a primary radar system - something that most other countries have had for many decades but which for Ireland is completely new. Unfortunately you cannot create an integrated air defence capability all in one go. Even if budgets were not constrained, it has to be incremental, as you need the equipment, a lot of infrastructure, sustainable training pipelines and technical capability to ensure that it all works and can be maintained. The stuff about Ireland being reliant on the UK for air defence may be true in principle, but in reality there have not been any known cases of UK air defence aircraft overflying the Republic of Ireland to intercept and identify an intruder of some sort. Occasional RAF shadowing of Russian Tu-95s west of Ireland is done in international airspace, sometimes within the Shannon FIR, but this is and has been a practice for several decades and is not done under some sort of emergency scrambling of fighters, given that these aircraft will already have been subject to NATO monitoring for some hours as they pass Norway or Denmark, for example. All of that being said, there are few votes in Ireland for those who might prioritise military spending over "bread and butter" issues such as housing or the cost of living, and the country does not have a military tradition that might sustain societal and political support for the armed forces of other many countries.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Thank you for watching. I was under the strong impression that the RAF had scrambled on more than one occasion, but not no, not in Irish air space per se. But over the EEZ.

[@Shamrock100]

@@michaelshurkin613 Yes, that's my belief. In media and political discussions the term "Irish airspace" is often used in a loose sense, often encompassing the sizeable airspace under Irish air traffic control, which extends about 250 nautical miles west (to 15 degrees west) of Ireland, as well as well to the south and northwest of the country.

[@EyeInTheSkypaulmcmenamin]

Some of these steps you mentioned are already underway, for example there is talk of the P60 class of ships being overhauled and fitted with sonar and improved air search radar. There is no talk of weapons, but the sensors are a good start at the least. Ireland is also an observer of the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) program, which is perhaps a signal of intent for replacing our 6 larger patrol ships when the time comes. The Corvette is to be 3000 tonnes in displacement, armed with 57mm deck gun, vls with most likely Mica/aster 15 anti aircraft missile, exocet anti ship missiles, lightweight torpedoes and a number of .50 cal and 20mm manned guns. This would be a dream for Ireland and really want we need if we are to be serious about our defence.

[@awilderireland]

As usual mixing anti-Israeli policy with being anti-Jewish. But carry on. Stick and stones.

[@michaelshurkin613]

You should think about the fact that I know far more about that particular subject than you, and, for the sake of the intellectual exercise, imagine what I say is true.

[@awilderireland]

@michaelshurkin613 Why because you're Jewish? Well I'm Irish. All you've proved is how arrogant and ignorant you are.

[@pepperfan111]

@@michaelshurkin613 why would we imagine what you say to be true when we know it is not. I live in the country you do not simple as that. And you PHD doesnt mean anything, its a piece of paper.

[@awilderireland]

@@michaelshurkin613 All you have proved is your ignorance and arrogance.

[@awilderireland]

@@pepperfan111 I responded to him also. My reply has vanished. I will try again.

[@noelmaher2301]

The Irish army is well trained very effective but under funded, under equipped . I gave 12 years in the reserves. The Irish army are a great bunch, good people, and meant to work miracles with nothing.

[@michaelshurkin613]

That's my sense of it, which is why I took pains to say that my criticism was of policy and not soldiers themselves.

[@lobobolo2402]

Antisemitism is a serious issue. One that I do not take as flippantly as the author behind this channel. I have not explored the comment section exhaustively but the top hits are not just avoiding the discussion, but seeming to indicate that he’s intentionally slandering Ireland in a childish spirit of tit for tat. I will however step in to address what he will not. The antisemitism of Ireland. Let’s look at what the author suggests. To “talk to Irish Jews”. Let’s look at the president of Ireland whom he posts a picture of. Finally let’s look at the statistics. Blogger Simon Lewis, has critisized Higgins for saying “there is no antisemitism in Ireland” Simon explains how this has the effect of minimising the antisemitism that is very real in Ireland. Higgins has also accused the nation of Israel of leaking a letter from Higgins to the Iranian government sending condolences for the the mass murdering lunatic that is Ebrahim Raisi. This has caused controversy. With critics such as Founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland, Oliver Sears, who believes this accusation is informed by antisemitic tropes. Statistics The ADL scores nations around the globe on how antisemitic they are. Ireland has a score of 20% Too high for this writers liking. It should be zero. However I must criticise the author of this channel. Italy scores just as high as Irelands 20% yet there is no mention of their antisemitism. When covering France I see no mention of antisemitism. Or it’s ADL score which is almost twice that Irelands at 37% No mention of Polands antisemitism which is the highest out of all the nations referenced in his videos at 45% Why is it in Paxamericana’s interest to frame. Ireland as uniquely antisemitic? Indeed we can see a clear line drawn in the sand. On one side we have America, Britain, France, Apartheid South Africa and Israel. On the other we have Native Americans, Black Americans, The Irish, Indians, Kenyans, Black South Africans, Algerians, Vietnamese, and Palestinians on the other. To be Frank. The white skin of the Irish will cause White Americans and Europeans to listen where they would otherwise customarily ignore the cries and tears of People of colour. Ireland has a connection to the black civil rights movement of the United States. It sparked their own civil rights movement. And along with it their support for Nelson Mandela and the ANC against Apartheid white supremacists. In the minds of most this puts Ireland on the right side of history. At least more so than the United States, Britain and Israel who supported that racist regime. We cannot be surprised that a man whose title is Pax Americana would favour French colonists in their oppression of the Vietnamese. After all anti-colonials are Tankies. And if Tankies are bad then colonisers are good yes? What else is preferable to Tankies? The British rounding up the Irish or Kenyans into concentration camps? Clearly FW de Klerk was preferable to the evil Nobel Peace Prize winner and clear Anti-Colonial Tankie Nelson Mandela. Those evil black Tankies like Martin Luther king wanting civil rights. Tankies like Leonard Peltier, arrested the same decade that America was still forcefully sterilising native Americans. Indeed the cry of the evil black Americans is “no justice, no peace” Perhaps this channel would like to forgo justice in the name of peace. As long as it’s an American peace. Pax Americana

[@michaelshurkin613]

1. I don't use such terms flippantly. It's a topic I give considerable thought. 2. The paradigm by which one divides the world between colonizer and colonized is a lazy form of reductionism. Israel does not fit that paradigm. It is not a colonial power like Britain and France were, and the "anti-colonial" campaign against Israel only broadcasts a lack of understanding about the Israel/Palestine conflict. Look at it this way, what would it mean to "decolonize Palestine"? What happens then? Ethnic cleansing and genocide. The situation is far from being black and white and requires a far more sophisticated appreciation than simply binning Israel along with "colonizers."

[@josm100]

​​@@michaelshurkin613 this may or may not be true, but demanding thought and nuance while reflexively labeling criticism of Israel's actions as antisemitism is a little rich, don't you think? Doesn't leave much room for discussion or debate. Which I believe is the point he/she is making. You're labeling Ireland an antisemitic country because it's pointing out Israel's actions and trying to hold it to account. By this measure, Norway, which has the same ADL score as the US at 8%, is also an antisemitic country, while Poland, who tacitly supports Israeli actions (ADL score 47%, 2½ times Ireland, and 6 times Norway's) is not. You see how this logic is not just wrong, but actually damaging to the Jewish diaspora and possibly even dangerous.

[@lobobolo2402]

@@michaelshurkin613 Equating decolonisation with genocide, describing Sinn Fein as Tankies and referring to the people of Ireland as simply “not liking Jews” is equally reductive and lazy. Whilst it is true that Israel may not be exactly the same as England and France. Colonisers have similarities and differences that can be quibbled over ad infinitum. The facts remain. Nobody told Israelis to identify as European colonisers. They themselves chose names such as “The Jewish Colonial Association” or Bank Leumi’s original name “The Jewish Colonial Trust”. Nobody forces Israel to identify as European. To join the Europa League in football. Or the Eurovision Song Contest. Nobody tells Israel to identify with White South Africans, the French in Algeria, to arm Yugoslavia during the Bosnian genocide, to arm Azerbaijan in their ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Artsakh. To train police that are famed for abusing colonised minorities such as the PSNI. Oh and let’s not forget the forced sterilisation of Ethiopian Jews that disturbingly echos the sterilisation of Black and Native American women during the 1970s. Even today Israel is a model for white nationalists and is consistently referred to as a source of inspiration by the likes of American Renaissance founder Jared Taylor. Indeed the reverse also paints a colonial picture. Why is it that peoples who have experience concentration camps, ethnic cleansing, eugenics programs and/or genocide publicly declare solidarity and shared experience with Palestinians? Who else joins Ireland in the dock as fellow “antisemites” and “tankies” The Native American and Indigenous Studies Association? The NAACP? India’s Indira Gandhi? Nelson “Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians" Mandela? You ask what does decolonising Palestine look like? Asserting ethnic cleansing and genocide is the result. Brits in Northern Ireland constantly asserted that if Irish people had power they’d drive every Brit into the sea. The Afrikaners in South Africa said the same. Whites in the United States said the same would happen if they freed the slaves. They said it again when they feared blacks would attain civil rights. Did genocide occur in any of the above? Now I will not pretend that there is not a serious risk that the aforementioned crimes against humanity could occur if things are not handled with deft and critical caution. But currently Israel is ethnically cleansing Palestine as we speak. The ICC has issued warrants for Gallant & Netenyahu’s arrest. Ben-Gvir famously has the perpetrator of the Cave of the Patriarchs Massacre on his wall. Bezalel Smotrich spoke at an venue in Paris whilst surrounded by maps of Greater Israel (a vision of Israel’s territories stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates river). This is no longer the realm of fringe extremists like Daniella Weiss. This is mainstream politics. I will not echo Higgins’s statement that Ireland is free of antisemitism. But I will not pretend that the criticism of Israel and Irelands solidarity with Palestine is as a result of antisemitic motives. Not every Jew supports Israel. Nor does Israel have the right to speak for every Jew. Nor does it have the right to declare Non-Israeli’s, Jewish or otherwise, of being either Antisemitic or “Self Hating”, just they won’t fall inline with whatever madness the likes of Likud and Tkuma pursue

[@ihwras]

Truly appreciate your work. Can you consider at some point to cover the topic of underwater cables and sea patrols in depth. It’s very interesting and now is becoming a hot topic especially in the Baltics and eastern Mediterranean. Would be nice to present the challenges and strategies for the safety of our communications…

[@michaelshurkin613]

Yeah, I was thinking I'd like to switch to that sort of topic for a bit.

[@eoinobroin100]

The Irish government just don't care and the Defence Forces is severely broken culture wise for it to be made into a capable force anyway. A good example of disparity is between full time members(PDF) and the reserve members (RDF). Reserves are not and will not be allowed to go abroad in any meaningful way and they are given next to nothing to train with. The PDF do not want to help the RDF to become a better force as theyre too self absorbed and this is just one example. Reserve expenditure every year is very low and only between 5 and 6 million euro per year.

[@dannyboi4111]

The Irish defence force commission has already been looking into air capabilities that stand in line with their sort of budget constraints and their current preferred option for air policing is the KAI FA-50 from South Korea, that is from a report a few years back and it doesn't seem like they are going to be making a move on buying something within the next few years. That being said, the war in Ukraine has changed a lot. Drones may be a more cost effective way of having somewhat of an attack capability when it comes to policing the waters around Ireland.

[@michaelshurkin613]

This FA-50 might be fine for Ireland's purposes. I admit I don't know enough about them. So long as they have BVR air-to-air capabilities...

[@dannyboi4111]

If you'd like to read it for yourself: assets.gov.ie/194376/e7b8b882-5911-4f42-8622-77cfec9f3e42.pdf

[@mukkaar]

Way I see it, Ireland should focus on delaying landing and stopping any missiles and fighters. Meaning small, heavily armed coastal defense ships. Detection capabilities, moving land based anti air and anti ship. And very small land force, maybe with reserves to quickly train bit more if needed, as in material. And if they actually want to get serious, air force.

[@Emanuel-t5e]

Antiship missiles on land, e.g. norwegian NSM coastal antiship missiles. Far far more economical than coastal defense ships! On top ground based air defense, far cheaper than aircraft. 100% defensive posture, USA/UK/NATO/EU wouldn't tolerate someone taking Ireland for strategic reasons, so Ireland really only has to last until they get reinforcement. Plus ground forces as they are now for preventing civil war essentially.

[@mukkaar]

@Emanuel-t5e That's true, but your still need ships to have more flexible and bigger defense bubble. And you need them for anti submarine stuff, patrolling etc.

[@Emanuel-t5e]

@@mukkaar bigger defense bubble? 250km radius for NSM. What more do you need?

[@michaelmulligan0]

@@Emanuel-t5ethe Irish Continental Shelf is over 200 nautical miles offshore and has some of the harshest seas in the world.

[@Emanuel-t5e]

@@michaelmulligan0 Typhon-VLS coastal batteries with SM-6 could do that though, if you *really* need to protect your exclusive economical zone or whatever, but I don't think that is so important, as compared to protecting your actual land territory..

[@AsaTrenchard1865]

Well armed, well led, and well fed.

[@michaelshurkin613]

That pretty much covers all the bases.

[@The_Hero_Is_Back]

Good video and conclusions. Being Irish, I’d like to see us being able to patrol our seas and airspace efficiently. If Russian or anyone else’s military aircraft drift into our airspace without permission, we should be able to mount a fighter jet patrol to investigate at whatever altitude is necessary. We also have a massive maritime area to patrol. We could make much better use of drones to find suspicious activity at sea and then dispatch a plane or ship to investigate. The new radar may help us in this.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Drones offer great bang for the buck re: ISR and patrol. The big long endurance drones are not cheap, but they are far more economical than comparable crewed aircraft.

[@tedcrilly46]

@@michaelshurkin613 US troops transit via Shannon airport. Look into it. Whomever planned to use an Irish airport as a U.S./nato transit hub surely concerned themselves with the security of those troops. And would have known that Ireland has no fighters. Britain however does. So we have an exchange, nato uses Shannon as a transit hub, provides their own security and in doing so provides Irish air security. That would be an exchange. This is something I find Americans conveniently forget, logistics hubs, bases etc are not free. If you want to launch a campaign in Afghanistan, Iraq, etc from European bases then you're going to have to pay for those bases in some way. If you dont like providing protection services in exchange for these facilities then perhaps try Africa, or use your a/c carriers. Over a protracted timeframe you'll see which option is best.

[@gnifrusdniw]

Please dont think that because someone is disgusted by the Israeli government and military actions (hamas included) that they are anti semitic, Ireland has many veterans that were on the receiving end of both hamas and the IDF as well as recognising the historically familiar actions of a superior state imposing its will on a weaker one. Other than that i enjoyed your take and share your views, i am ex 1R Irish Regiment from Dublin who in 1993 spent a summer in Israel and Gaza while my Father served in the UNTSO op

[@andrewcombe8907]

I think if the Irish were to grow up and have a mature defence policy the following will need to happen: 1. Ireland embrace true neutrality like Singapore and Austria and introduce conscription with a significant defence force. 2. Ireland join NATO and get its defence spending to 2% of GDP. 3. Ireland simply admit its military is a sub military for the UK and make its defence forces interoperable with the UK. The Irish authority responsible for the safety of the underwater cables you referred to is not even the Irish Navy but the Garda Siochana (police) which is not armed.

[@pio4362]

It's a great pity a tradition of armed neutrality was never developed as in Switzerland, Austria or (until recently) Finland. Clearly our foreign affairs department couldn't be bothered to study other neutral countries. More likelier than 2 is: 4: Ireland signs up to a defence union in the EU, under the guise of discounted armaments, participation in R&D, access to shared advanced technologies. With Trump back in power, it's possible Europe will make a push on this one.

[@andrewcombe8907]

@@pio4362Ireland has been duped into believing it has some sort of Holy Neutrality which will be respected by everyone and means it only needs a well armed Constabulary suited for peacekeeping missions.

[@andrewcombe8907]

@@pio4362why would the EU create a “defence union”? Isn’t that NATO?

[@paxundpeace9970]

Singapore has an actual large size army and at least a percevied and historic direct opponent. Ireland does not anymore. Still ireland has to upgrade its contributions to EU or Nato Battle groups as well as enhancing patrol capabilities.

[@paxundpeace9970]

​@@andrewcombe8907no EU has some joint operations between many EU and Nato nations. I case Finland had been attact from Russia before last year EU would have military units in support from member Nations.

[@BlakeNotaDonna]

My biased America-centric brain wants the Irish military to maintain its current small army, and the cooperate with the Marines in development and funding/building the tomahawk truck idea for coastal defense. That would be more than sufficient. I’ve heard that Ireland needs an independent Air Force, but I’m going to disagree because of cost, their proximity to the RAF, and even the rest of Europe if relations sour.

[@Emanuel-t5e]

Ireland isn't a NATO member. They are Neutral. It wouldn't be in their interest to make themselves a target to enemies of USA by allying with USA.

[@bikeman9899]

The summary of the woeful nature of Ireland's defense is pretty spot on from my limited knowledge. The Irish public have a blind spot on defense. Really, blind. One sure way to irritate an Irish person is to call them "British ". That's a no no. Irish ppl are proud of their identity, and take every opportunity to assert differences with our UK cousins. Except on defense. The Irish public seem mostly unaware of rhe not so secret arrangements with the RAF to fly over IRL to intercept Russian Bear bombers which frequently patrol close to Irish airspace. If you point this fact, and that IRL has been independent from the UK for>100 years, and it is still dependent on the UK for defense, the response from most Irish ppl is often dismissive, " well it doesn't happen often, and who is going to invade us anyway "? It may very well be that if IRL were invaded by Russia ( the only plausible adversary) that the UK, the US or France would intervene. But there is no assurance of that outside a treaty, and mere "hope" is not a strategy. Other historically neutral nations, e.g. Sweden and Finland have changed positions and joined NATO. The threats from Russia are very real to them. To many neutrals in IRL, the Russian threat seems distant. It isn't. Hybrid warfare is ongoing and directly affects IRL. Russian warships are regularly in Irish waters, mapping the FO cables off rhe SW coast. A few yeara ago, Russian hackers took down the health service inna DoS attack. The Russians tried to build a massive extension on their Dublin embassy, that could only be explained by a large spying operation. Thankfully the Irish authorities shut that plan down. At minimum, IRL needs to emulate other rich neutrals like Austria and Switzerland, and have a credible defense capability. Right now, there is lip service only, and that has caught the attention of the Russians. The Irish government has to educate the public that independence means the ability to defend yourself.

LOL such derp.

[@blueocean2510]

Russia and EU work together to remove the Nazis from Europe and Middle East.

[@pio4362]

"The Irish public seem mostly unaware " I can assure you the Irish public is more than aware and not happy. There hasn't been any vote on the matter and the politicians refuse to debate it in the parliament. The Irish military is arguably the worst treated one in all of the EU, its appalling, yet nothing is ever done.

[@bikeman9899]

@pio4362 That's good to know. I still feel the pro neutrality group has the louder and more shrill voice. When you press neutrals on what happens "if?" . They have no answer.

[@bikeman9899]

Like I said, pro neutrality folk are dismissive. Thanks for making my point LOL

[@divyomchauhan9253]

The main reason probably, for poor retention, in the Irish armed forces is the stratospherically high per capita income, of 1,00,000 USD. Even the Brits face very serious issues with retention, at a much lower per capita income of 65,000 odd USD

[@evanoherlihy5324]

The average wage in Ireland is actually around 38,000 euro which is the standard wage for a Private in the Defence Forces. The GDP and GDP per capita are inflated by the presence of various multinational companies and are not reflective of the reality in Ireland.

[@divyomchauhan9253]

That is an interesting caveat @evanoherlihy5324

[@benflood7211]

Ireland is not anti-Semitic it’s that the Irish people abhor the loss of innocent lives in Gaza and Lebanon. Irish soldiers have seen the abuses by Israel of innocent civilians in Lebanon and Irish soldiers have died at the hands of Israeli backed militias in Southern Lebanon

[@davidnewton9950]

They just need a few thousand drones. tanks are a lost,as the ground in Ireland is to wet to hold them up.

[@johnk3366]

As an Irishman, I don't believe there is any culture or policy or anti-semitism, we do however frequently take a stance that is critical of the behaviour of government of Isreal. This is in keeping with a perspective of being critical of any nation with superior military capabilities using force against civilian populations that can be argued to be excessive both in terms of carrying out military actions or how the target population gets to live their day to day lives. We know oppression and we are critical of what we perceive to analogous situations. Obviously this becomes a heated topics on all sides, sometimes things are said in anger or outrage the cooler heads would phrase better. I do not believe for a moment that Irelands state or people would persist in their criticism of Israel's government should the situation materially improve (unrealistic as that is). To suggest we maintain a policy of anti-semitism is quite frankly an insult, sir, that I would appreciate you retracting.

[@michaelshurkin613]

If you are so sensitive to insult, think twice about libels against others.

[@tonyharpur8383]

It should be noted that when Ireland adopted (by referendum) its current constitution in 1937, there was a claue in it guaranteeing religious freedom and protecting religious minorities, including Jews. The Jewish religion was one of those specifically named for state protection. This was in 1930s Europe. The Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ben Briscoe, was an immensely popular figure for decades. Gerald Goldberg, Lord Mayor of Cork, was another popular and respected figure. The Catholic Church was rather disappointed it wasn't made the state religion. So much anti-semitism indeed!

[@michaelshurkin613]

Yeah, that's a winning argument.

[@MinecraftMadness303]

I enjoy the way any response to defence policy from him in the comments is very formal but any criticism of our stance on the genocidal state of Israel his only response is grow up, I have many Jewish friends as a proud Irishman and i dont believe they have anything to do with a foreign government, criticism of Israel is not antisemitic

[@michaelshurkin613]

Your answer only confirms my view. Anyway, I have a Ph.D. in modern Jewish history. What's your expertise?

[@MinecraftMadness303]

@michaelshurkin613 have you lived in Ireland?, interacted with the people here?, there's no hatred of Jews, just an opposition to apartheid states that treat people the way we were treated for centuries, I honestly couldn't care about Palestine or Israel but the bombing and starving of civilians on purpose is plane to see to us here, I do agree with your points about our military being woefully under equipped for anything, I just the characterisation of our nation as antisemitic is exaggerated

[@ceoltoirgaolach5277]

@@michaelshurkin613 Are'nt you the educated fellow. Not so hot on Irish history though !

[@AdriAN-z8n8z]

@@michaelshurkin613 Genuinely how does his answer confirm anything you said? And what does a phd in modern jewish history have to do with Ireland

[@dublinairportplanes]

@@michaelshurkin613 Pure arrogance to state because you had a PH.D. that it somehow makes your opinion more. Such a patronising comment.

[@NigelPreisner]

The Irish Defence Force only seems to function at Bn level within peacekeeping, and yes at strategic level they do seem to sort of freeload off others for defence. However all the Irish soldiers and sailors I have met in Lebanon and Chad or the Med, and those who have become contractors, have been VERY good and professional. They do the top end of peacekeeping. They certainly could do either more than 6 of the 'killer' versions of the MOWAG Piranha plus some half decent form of air defence platform. But at the league it performs in their Force Reserve Companies (QRF on steroids) are top notch.

[@NigelPreisner]

When I say Irish service people I mean from the forces of the state of Eire / Ireland. They seem to have a clear idea of what their forces are built to do and not do, and are funded to that level?rather than ours ever-shrinking whilst the ambitions stay as grandiose as ever. Again all the ROI serving, reserves and for (now contractors) I have met have been superb quality and their peacekeeping is certainly at the more challenging end of that league

[@pio4362]

For starters, a military that isn't complicit in the genocide of Palestine. Ireland (an ex-colony) has a very different outlook on global affairs than the Anglo-Americans.

[@michaelshurkin613]

Alternatively you could learn enough about Israel to understand why it's not From well's England.

[@ciaranmcgettigan]

Are a people not entitled to live while having a different belief to me??

[@michaelshurkin613]

What are you talking about?

[@Irishpewtuber]

Defend ourselves against who? If you think we can't defend ourselves, come and have a go if you think your hard enough.

[@mrogormand1]

I am intensely proud of the Irish Defence Forces, and did my time in uniform but at our peak, in 1994, we were outnumbered on the island by the british garrison in Northern Ireland alone. Sit down.

[@cooldev161177]

Steady now, we don't have the facilities to house POWs!

[@syjiang]

Well if that is your attitude, then don't be surprised when my native countrymen come knocking on your doorstep with their distant fishing fleet and resource exploration ships since ya'll can't put up as much resistance as the filipinos

[@goldiefish72]

Read a newspaper.

[@Irishpewtuber]

@goldiefish72 I live here about 15 minutes from the Curragh. I know how under funded the defence forces are. I also know the troops are trained to do a lot with very little.

[@oneillcotv]

The military analysis is spot on. To want to stop the slaughter of civilians , and the illegal occupation of the West Bank is not anti semite . There are always those that are anti semite in every society , for what reason I cannot understand but Ireland is no different , so I think the reference here is unfounded . The president is not an anti-Semite but he does speak out against colonialism everywhere as all Irish people object to it due to our long history .

[@tisFrancesfault]

Irelands military is imo better seen as an over equipped gendarmerie of last resort than an actual military. It really only exits for, and to deal with, irish themselves, if getting too rowdy. And as Ireland is europes great moocher, i dont see them ever paying their own way. In particular when one considers that fact that the irish economy is rather smoke and mirrors, thus even less likely to shunt cash to its own defense.

[@michaelshurkin613]

You think it's smoke and mirrors?

[@tisFrancesfault]

@@michaelshurkin613 Indeed. It varies from being a wealth through-pipe From the EU to the US, or more elaborate tax avoidance schemes. For example, it Irelands GDP rose by 25% in 2015, because Apple was doing a tax thing. Ireland suffers from the fact that it cannot raise taxes on it supposed wealth at least not nearly as easily , as that would drive it away. At least for the mega-corps.

[@Emanuel-t5e]

I'd agree, it is a gendarmiere for policing its own population, plus used for grand gesturing and posturing in international peace keeping missions, but that part could be argued as being mainly for the purpose of giving their own soldiers practice in policing populations, so they might apply it when necessary on their own population.

[@tisFrancesfault]

@@michaelshurkin613 I thought I'd add, if you want a good article for further reading regarding the point of Irish economy Google "graham gudgin smoke and mirrors beware the republic of Irelands scam economy"

[@josephkavanagh7665]

You are correct. The primary mission of Ireland's army is "aid to the civil power", ie: a Praetorian Guard in the event of insurrection. To that degree, they are adequately equipped. Heavier weaponry simply aren't needed to fight unarmed civilians.

[@kanzlei-berger]

Thank you for your content. You mentioned Switzerland in a sort of freeloading comparison. I would be very interested in learning your thoughts about and recommendations for the Swiss military.

[@michaelshurkin613]

As far as I know the Swiss military is fine, but I haven't looked into it closely (yet). The Swiss take independence seriously and are willing to pay for it. I respect that.

[@daithicarr]

What a awful video. You showed very little understanding of military matters or Ireland. Some red flags, Irelands GDP to military spending does reflect Irelands economy well that can be established with a minor amount of research. And Ireland broadcasting anti semetism, what are you on about? I think your conflating Irelands stance on Israels human rights abuses with anti semetism. It's not an anti Jewish stance, it's anti the oppression of Palestinians. What are you basing your assumptions of Irelands military needs, doesn't seem to be based on personal knowledge or any research ?

[@MrSpritzmeister]

Care to elaborate on the red flags? Why can’t Ireland spend 1% of its GDP on protecting its interests around itself? Genuinely curious, and has a foreigner it’s baffling that Ireland is such a Mickey Mouse state that it can’t protect its own airspace.

[@Carrjimbo]

Tankie alert.

[@tedcrilly46]

@@MrSpritzmeister You need to consider who are the threats to Ireland, and what are their capabilities. There's only 1, Russia. And their capabilities for making a successful invasion are not good. As a contributing EU member we have access to resources which make any attack/invasion quite difficult, when you factor in our location. Also nato troops transit through our Shannon airport, so nato protects them, and simultaneously Ireland too. Any Russian flight would have a long journey around EU airspace, into the Atlantic, and must avoid UK airspace too. We have no other strategically important targets. So why even try.

[@daithicarr]

@@MrSpritzmeister Red flags were lack of knowledge of military terms, no references to sources or basis for his assessment, threat level Ireland faces, and how they would be best addressed. The suggestion that Ireland was somehow signaling Anti Semitism as some form of defence is very strange and doesn't show he can assess the situation with any form of objectivity, that opposition to a countries policies must be based on some form or racsim or prejudice rather than assessing why they take such a stance. In terms of Defence spending, I didnt say Ireland cannot spend 1% of its GDP, I was merely stating that any observer doing the slightest bit of research would discover that percentage of GDP to military spending is not a good measure of Ireland capacity. Because of the large multinational profit shifting, which is a complex topic in itself, Modified GNI is a better measure of the resources available to the Irish state and economy. Irelands GDP is about 580 billion Euro, Its GNI* is about 300 Billion Euro. Ireland spends 1.5 billion on defence, which is 0.23 of GDP or 0.45 of GNI*. Certainly lower that other nations, but there is a significant difference. Basically our only real threat over the last few centuries has been our nearest neighbour, and we just cant match them in defence spending. Plus the idea that there could be a large scale war in Europe was seen across the world as highly unlikely until very recently.

[@JohnSmith-tw6po]

Bro, I'm Irish, if you think there's not a serious issue with antisemitism in Ireland you are out of your mind. There was a Palestinian flag flying from my local hill on October 8th 2023, the local Jewish cemetery has been closed due to targeted vandalism, we have a statue to a Wehrmacht collaborator in the middle of Dublin, October 7th vigil had to be done in secret due to threat of attack. I've seen grafitti blaming Israel for COVID, and the slogans that every major Jewish organisation on Earth have loudly called racist and are continued to be proudly chanted in Ireland today. Here's one for you, if we're so like the Palestinians, why did the Palestinians kidnap one of our eight year old girls and threaten to kill her while the Israelis were the ones trying to save her?

[@gerrymccarthy9568]

You are mistaken, as regards Develera, (he was pronouncing our neutrality,) and anti semitism. One of the Lord Mayers of my city was a Jew. On all other issues regarding self defence, you are correct IMHO. The issue of an “agreement” with UK to defend Irish Airspace breaches the Irish Constitution, hence hush-hush. The current budget shows we have 20 billion of a surplus and don’t know what to do with it. SAAB, with the Gripen have great deals available!!!

[@roderickwho1983]

A thoughtful and very interesting essay Michael; thanks. I must challenge you on the assertion you made ( if I'm understanding this correctly), that Ireland is antisemitic. There are indeed numbers of antisemitic people in Ireland, and some nazis too, but don't mistake the anger that many Irish feel about the Israeli treatment of the Palestinian people. In the Irish character there is a strong groundswell of support for any underdog, (generalisation), and having contended with British occupation of several centuries, many Irish identify with the suffering of the Palestinians. As for you anecdote from the Guinness boat captain, that's not the half of it ! After the withdrawal of the British in 1922 we found ourselves again occupied, but this time by a Catholic clerical regime who thought themselves above the law..

[@JohnSmith-tw6po]

If we care so much about underdogs why do we utterly grovel to China and say Taiwan is Chinese? Is Taiwan not an underdog against China?

[@pio4362]

The Blueshirts were banned in the 1930s, there are no genuine "nazis", only thugs if you mean that as in every country. Ireland has been a democracy 1922, it hasn't been occupied by anyone, apart from the 6 counties.

[@michaelmulligan0]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1191">19:51</a> only 4 countries have seriously threatened Irish sovereignty - the U.K., USA, Russia and Germany

[@Emanuel-t5e]

When did Germany threaten their sovereignity?

[@michaelmulligan0]

@ World War 2 There was German air raids on Ireland, attacks by German on Irish shipping and there was a plan to invade Ireland called Plan Green

[@jofe7751]

@@Emanuel-t5e Or the US?

[@timp3931]

@@Emanuel-t5e In early WW2 there was a semi-serious plan for Germany to invade Ireland. look it up.

[@patrickwentz8413]

Having met Irish peacekeepers, I can not say their Soldiers or Officers are very good. I would put them at a different level than the Portuguese. I would not want them behind or in front of me if I were in combat. They should stick with peacekeeping and nothing else.

[@michaelshurkin613]

I'm surprised to hear that. Maybe it's only the Rangers who are any good? What do you make of the Portuguese?

[@patrickwentz8413]

@@michaelshurkin613 Portuguese Soldiers and Officers I would rank at the top of any European Army these days, which is not saying much.

[@ceoltoirgaolach5277]

Tell me Patrick have you had military service or are you currently serving ?

[@patrickwentz8413]

@@ceoltoirgaolach5277 I served for 21 years from 1995 to 2016. Two of those years were with the Army organization that sends US Military Officers to UN positions across the globe.

[@ceoltoirgaolach5277]

@@patrickwentz8413 Thank you for the reply. It is always good to hear a different perspective on Irish peacekeeping.