In April 2001 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin moved a Neutrality Bill in the Dáil and pledged that when Sinn Féin had sufficient strength in the House that he would progress it to Second Stage.
On Tuesday night last, (18/02/03), Sinn Féin used its first ever Private Members Time in Leinster House to progress the 27th Amendment to the Constitution Bill, to second stage, thereby forcing a debate on the Neutrality issue:
Article 28 of the Constitution currently reads:
"War shall not be declared and the State shall not participate in any war save with the assent of Dáil Éireann."
The Bill sought to amend Article 28 to read:
"War shall not be declared and the State shall not participate in any war or other armed conflict, nor aid foreign powers in any way in preparation for war or other armed conflict, or conduct of war or other armed conflict, save with the assent of Dáil Éireann."
Article 29.1 of the Constitution currently reads:
"Ireland affirms its devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations founded on international justice and morality."
Article 29.2 currently reads:
"Ireland affirms its adherence to the principles of the pacific settlement of international disputes by international arbitration or judicial determination."
The Bill sought to insert a new Article 29.3 as follows:
"Ireland affirms that it is a neutral State. To this end the State shall, in particular, maintain a policy of non-membership of military alliances."
Labours Brendan Howlin supported the Sinn Féin Bill along with his party colleagues, joined by the Green Party, Socialist Party and several Independent Deputies.
35 Deputies voted in favour of the Bill.
Wexfords FF TD's John Browne and Tony Dempsey opposed the Neutrality amendment and were joined by Independent Dr Liam Twomey.
Paul Kehoe of Fine Gael was not present in the House but would certainly have voted with FG in opposing the Neutrality Bill.
The No to Neutrality alliance amounted to 100 votes.
Commenting in the aftermath of the debate, Sinn Féin Cllr John Dwyer said:
"One might have thought that these amendments would be perfectly in line with what the Government claims is current Irish Foreign policy, ie: non-membership of military alliances. Those Wexford Deputies who are opposed to Neutrality are clearly out of touch with the people on this issue.
"They sold us an illusion of Neutrality during the Nice debate. They have got to stop pretending on this issue. They must now tell us exactly why they voted against the wishes of the people and tell us directly, what their exact policy on Irish Military Neutrality is!"
