Independent Ireland was set up for one reason: to give a platform for Independents to work together. What is the difference between Independent Ireland and Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael? We have a vote of conscience. Whether to remove the triple lock is a vote of conscience. It is a vote for the people of Ireland. It should not be up to the Government party leaders. Anything such as removing the triple lock should be an open vote in this House for Government parties at a minimum. The Government no longer fully represents of Ireland. It should look at its numbers. At the recent protests when people came out what happened? The Government talked down to the real people of Ireland and ignored them. It no longer represents the people of Ireland as a whole. Neutrality is not a weakness. It is independence. Do we need to invest in the Defence Forces? 100%. Do we need to ensure our Defence Forces can protect the country? 100%. However, we also need to hear the voice of every person in the country on any removal of the triple lock. It is not something the Government should have control of. That is why Independent Ireland put a vote of conscience into its constitution. While we in Independent Ireland might agree on 90% of issues, we will never agree on 10%. It allows members of the party to make individual choices because they represent different parts of the country and different people in their areas. That is the difference between Independent Ireland and Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. The Government parties are told what to do. Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir. That is what they go with. Why not recognise the people of Ireland and let them make the decision on whether there is to be any alteration of our neutrality? Any alteration to the triple lock is a choice for the people to make, not for the Government. Why not recognise the people of Ireland and let them make a decision about whether there will be any alteration?

Sentiment score: 0.09