On 17th of February, the first motion brought to Comhairle was the Long Term Policy Referendum in opposition to militarism. A group of students have put forth the motion in light of the Irish Government’s increase in military spending and overall increase in militarization. Alongside threats to Ireland’s triple-lock which is a policy allowing to maintain neutrality, increased lobbying from not only the defense industry but also foreign investment from the US have also sought to block the passing of the Occupied Territories Bill. Ireland is also continuing to build a closer relationship with NATO and is aligning its defence policy similarly.
The student activists presenting this motion are the Student Neutrality Front (SNF) who are a “multi-campus organization which aims to promote and defend Irish neutrality amidst increasing militarism.” The proposers of the motion include current presidential candidate Amy Kennedy, and the Chairperson and PRO of BDS, Harry Johnston and Sean Radcliff. The motion’s main aim is to protest against the upcoming Defence Amendment Bill being brought to the Dail by the current government. It seeks to dismantle the ‘triple lock’ which is the provision that the Irish military can only be deployed overseas with the explicit approval by not only the government but also by the Dail Eireann as well as a mandate by the United Nations. The Defence Amendment Bill will allow the current government to unilaterally deploy Irish troops abroad. The motion notes the recent Long Term Policy Referendum which resulted in a vote of no-confidence against the current Irish government and by extension, no-confidence in their decision to pass the Defence Amendment Bill.
Speaking in Comhairle, Radcliff said with regards to the Defence Amendment Bill that it wouldn’t “serve the interests of the students.” Radcliff also underlined how “remilitarization takes away from welfare for warfare.” There were no speakers for or against the motion and while summing up, Radcliff added that if the motion was to pass, he noted that it would mandate the Union to work towards building “a coalition of students and workers against militarization.” This was in reference to a part of the motion wherein, if the referendum led to a passing of ‘yes,’ it would now mandate the Students’ Union to catalyze the process of coalition building amongst not only other student unions but also amongst trade unions and other organizations. Moreover, the SU mandate would also include: having to publicly state their opposition to the removal of the triple lock through the Defence Amendment Bill and actively promote anti-militarism and having to raise awareness of Irish neutrality and the triple lock amongst students and the general public.
Seconder of the motion, David Wolfe said prior to Comhairle, “formal support for Irish neutrality is a natural next step in fighting for a more just world, especially at this crucial moment when the Irish government is intent on deepening military ties and alliances with Europe and the United States.”
A question regarding the motion asked when exactly the referendum would take place and whether it would take place by the current sabbatical elections. Bailey Armstrong, who was chairing Comhairle as head of the Election Commission, replied that the referendum would possibly occur during the second-to-last or last week of teaching. Another question asked whether a town-hall would be held on the topic. Armstrong said a hustings would possibly be held since they are only held during competitive topics.
The motion was held to vote in Comhairle and passed with a majority. A hustings could possibly be held on this topic and in the coming weeks, a referendum will be held amongst the wider student body.
In a statement from the SNF following the passing of this motion, they said: “We are thrilled to see this proposal go to referendum and for Trinity students to take a stand against Ireland’s increasing militarization.” They added, “As seen with BDS, organized student support on this issue will go a long way towards mounting effective opposition to militarism. We encourage students here and on other Irish campuses to start this conversation and defend Irish neutrality.”
