Peace and Neutrality Alliance - PANA

15/06/2026

People’s Forum on Peace and Neutrality
“There is a whole world of people who have devoted their lives to research on these issues, but whose voices are rarely heard in the Irish media and political discussion about them,” organiser Patrick Bresnihan, associate professor of geography at Maynooth University, said.
“This forum is a contribution toward redressing that imbalance,” he added.
Tickets are free and should be booked in advance on Eventbrite, where there is more information about the event.
Register here bit.ly/3S5QYVT to attend the Forum on & with Francesca Albanese, Andrew Feinstein, Clare Daly, Philip McDonagh, Patrick Bresnihan, Karen Devine, Rory Rowan and many more
Full details in the link. Limited number of places still available
For more information contact Niamh Ní Bhriain+31 6 83161768
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Europe must end its juvenile taboo against talking to Russia
This World View Opinion and Analysis by Paul Gillespie in last weekend’s Irish Times makes very interesting reading. The writer here suggests those factors that sparked this war four years ago may still exist, ‘At play here also are US and NATO policies of regime change and NATO enlargement against a renewed yet supposedly primordial Russian imperial ambition irredeemably driving Putin.’ This pro-war narrative, the Russian threat, has been the main driving force used to justify those massive military spending plans by the EU/UK. But Gillespie suggests that European taxpayers and sceptical voters may reject their present leaders, some may find those far-right movements more appealing, and some want to move away from this war economy to a more progressive green economy. There are growing incentives for all sides to do a deal, one that will benefit both Ukraine and Russia, and an agreement that transits from contained deterrence to competitive coexistence is a more effective way to deal with Russia the US and West...
The chair of PANA, Padraig Mannion, welcomes those genuine talks to end the US/Israeli war on Iran, and we will continue to encourage genuine talks, and negotiations, that lead to peace in Ukraine, and an end to the slaughter that has already destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives.

From ‘Peace Project’ to Arms Investor
In this Transnational Institute Factsheet, discover how the EU’s military spending has expanded dramatically in recent years, reshaping priorities, budgets, and policies across the EU. (See this information on the latest People’s News)
https://www.people.ie/english1.html

Edward Horgan and Shannonwatch were back at Shannon last Sunday demanding an end to the US military use of the airport. Earlier in the day Omni Air troop carrier N486AX passed through. Yesterday Omni's N423AX landed.
Assisting a foreign army is not how a neutral country should behave.

12/06/2026

The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest conservative grouping in the EU (188 MEPs) held its Summer University in Galway from June 10–12, and brought together leading political figures, including EPP President Manfred Weber, An Tánaiste Simon Harris, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee. Fine Gael is a member of this grouping that also includes the controversial President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Amnesty International recently launched a new campaign action calling on Italy and Germany to support the suspension of the EU-Israel Association agreement. However, the chair of the Group of Socialists and Democrats, Iratxe García Pérez, condemned the EPP for blocking any debate on the State of Israel’s responsibilities towards the Palestinian people.
As EPP guests were wined and dined in St Nicholas Collegiate Church in Galway members of the Peace and Neutrality Alliance participated in a protest outside calling for an immediate suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
On February 28th, 2022, FIFA/UEFA suspended Russia from all international competition, four days after their full-scale invasion of Ukraine, most fans now wonder why they do not apply these same sporting principles when it comes to the horrific warmongering of Israel and the United States. Ironically the theme of this EPP Summer University in Galway was the need to focus on increasing EU-US relations and trade.
Following the arrival of the UK warship HMS Somerset to Dublin Port today, Kara Owen British Ambassador to Ireland said Britain and Ireland share a strategic space in which collaboration is hugely important. Ireland and Britain have had a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defence since 2015, and this visit comes in the wake of a recent renewal in that agreement. International security co-operation will be key during Ireland's presidency of the EU which begins on 1st July. So, plenty of time for them to make us understand the need for increased military spending…

The chair of the Group of Socialists and Democrats, Iratxe García Pérez, has condemned the opposition of the European People’s Party (EPP) to open a debate on the State of Israel’s responsibilities towards the Palestinian people:
https://www.eunews.it/en/2026/04/28/clash-in-the-european-parliament-perez-sd-the-epp-is-opposing-a-debate-on-netanyahus-atrocities/
Amnesty International launched a new campaign action calling on Italy and Germany to support the suspension of the EU-Israel Association agreement.
https://www.amnesty.ie/eu_failure_to_suspend_eu-israel_association_agreement_shows_contempt_for_civilian_lives/
FIFA working to resolve revoked Iran tickets
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c9q2vrdx0ewo

08/06/2026

Phoenix Magasine reveals Foreign Affairs spin to justify scrapping the Triple Lock
Minister Helen McEntee recently stated that, EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI was established by the European Union in 2020 with the core executive task being the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya under UNSCR and so operated under Triple Lock conditions. She then suggests that our participation in Operation Irini, this very important humanitarian mission for the EU had to end following the expiration of the UNSC mandate. But according to distinguished former commandant Edward Horgan, now a peace campaigner, the Irish Naval Service was involved in two reasonably genuine humanitarian missions in recent years Operation Pontus with Italy, and Operation Sophia with the EU, helping to rescue over 15,000 drowning migrants in the Mediterranean. As part of Fortress Europe, Pontus and Sophia were cancelled and replaced by Operation Irini, supposedly to enforce the UN arms embargo to Libya. In reality this operated to push back fleeing migrants into Libya, where many were tortured and exploited. Operation Irini was neither a peace nor humanitarian mission. The decimation of Libya by EU/NATO forces, actually assisted in the spread of weapons and terror right across Africa. Perhaps people should be asking if our troops are being used to tidy up the mess or to contain the chaos caused by these EU/NATO humanitarian interventions. Well done Phoenix Magasine, get you copy now…
According to the Chair of PANA, Padraig Mannion, Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months, from July 1 to December 31, 2026, and that I believe is an important opportunity to get in front of these EU leaders and apply real pressure to save the Triple Lock and Irish neutrality and highlight our concerns on the militarisation of Europe.

Reply from the Minister for Defence to Deputy Malcome Byrne on Operation Orini. https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-05-28/210/ -answers-210_211

Great attendance last Saturday at the Robert Tressell Festival in the RDS Hall, Dublin, as Palestinian supporters and anti-war activists greeted one of the main speakers Jeremy Corbyn MP…

Joe Mooney spoke as part of the panel on “Irish Neutrality and Militarism” along with Rory Rowan and Niamh Ní Bhriain at the Left Éire conference in Dundalk last weekend.

The call for the GAA to is strong and clear. On June 15th Dublin GAA will vote on whether to drop Allianz as a sponsor, they must make the right decision. There is no place for corporate complicity in apartheid Israel's genocide of Palestinians in our national sports body.

04/06/2026

From the crash to housing, each generation has lived through political failures in Ireland. Let’s not sleepwalk into militarisation and abandoning our neutrality. https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/ireland-recession-housing-crisis-7050719-May2026/

The Robert Tressell Festival will take place in the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin, this Saturday 6th June. Former Labour Party leader and current MP Jeremy Corbyn is set to speak at the event along with appearances from Michael D & Sabina Higgins. Join us on Saturday as we provoke debate, stimulate ideas and drive solidarity while celebrating working-class culture and trade union values. Doors at 11.30am
Last tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/robert-tressell-festival-2026-tickets-1986413506270

Tipperary Neutrality Network call to Defend Irish Neutrality and Protect the Triple Lock
https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/tipperary-neutrality-network-call-to-defend-irish-neutrality-and-protect-the-triple-lock

Germany Booted Out From UNSC After 55 Years For 'Supporting Genocidal Israel' | Humiliation For Merz … Germany’s unprecedented failure to win one of the rotating seats on the UN security council has prompted an intense round of soul searching in Berlin and raised questions about its claims to international leadership under Friedrich Merz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2CNqXo0CXg

Germany calls for end to EU unanimity rule to stop decision-making 'standstill'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkaEUf3F-ag

Jeffrey Sachs: Germany Is Leading Europe Toward World War III
Interview with Glenn Diesen he discusses his open letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, RECORDED ON MAY 31, 2026.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgOJXWqk0io

03/06/2026

Afri Ireland are honoured to be joined this year by Walk Leaders, Donnah Sibanda Vuma, Patrick Bresnihan, Moya Cannon and Declan O’Rourke, who will guide us through this year’s theme: A Road to Remember, A Call That Remains.
Meet this year’s Walk Leaders in the slides, and find the full brochure and tickets through the QR code or this link: https://bit.ly/4vv98yY
This moving journey of remembrance and solidarity illuminates how the horrors of forced displacement, starvation, dehumanisation and militarism persist today, calling us into shared struggle for justice and liberation across time and place.
We would love if you could join us!

Padraig Mannion, chair of PANA was one of the speakers at a recent public meeting in Palmerstown Community Centre on Protecting Irish Neutrality organised by the WP…

Following a hugely successful 2025 conference, Left Eire is back at An Táin Arts Centre in Dundalk on 6th and 7th June 2026 for another weekend of ideas, connection, and collective action. There is a nice line up of speakers for the 11.30am workshop on Neutrality and Militarism. The event is organised by Dundalk Communities United, full details and ticket information can be found here
https://www.lefteire.ie/
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Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats will bring motions to the Dáil calling for a boycott of the Nations League fixtures against apartheid Israel. These games must not go ahead. For more information…
https://www.ipsc.ie/action-item/fai

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THE HORRORS OF WAR AND THE LESSONS OF HISTORY:
Friday 31st May marked the 85th anniversary of the North Strand Bombing. On 31st May 1941 the Luftwaffe dropped four bombs on the area, killing at least 28 people, injuring many more and destroying 300 buildings. The horrific events were remembered today at the location of the atrocity. The impact of war was vividly remembered at the Dublin City Council event. Local activist Brian Treacy delivered a powerful speech in which the events were recalled, those who suffered were remembered and the importance of Irelands neutrality and the Triple Lock were reiterated.

01/06/2026

30/05/2026

Europe drives global military spending to record $2.9 trillion
The 29 European NATO members spent a combined total of $559 billion in 2025, and 22 of them had military spending of at least 2.0 per cent of GDP, according to SIPRI. The main narrative that drives western military spending is the so-called Russian threat, but many fail to recognise a corresponding threat felt by many nations in the Global South, who fear ongoing intervention and exploitation by this same western US/EU/NATO alliance. So how can we stop this arms race and encourage diplomacy and real global security? … https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2026/global-military-spending-rise-continues-european-and-asian-expenditures-surge

Former Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster now sits in the UK House of Lords as a non-affiliated life peer, holding the title Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee. In this short clip she states clearly the need to ramp up defence spending by cutting welfare. The UK spends around \(\$89.0\) billion annually on defence, equating to approximately \(2.3\%\) of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0cjo3f68OO8

Yes, we need to modernise the Defence Forces and improve wages and conditions for both serving and retired members but has the Minister for Defence Helen McEntee a hidden agenda on their future role. How will she finance her plans to ramp up Irish defence spending? In February, she announced Ireland would enter into a government-to-government deal with France to acquire Scorpion vehicles. The deal will be worth anything from €600 million to €1 billion depending on sources.
Whilst the Irish Army has historically focused on UN peacekeeping, with light military/policing equipment, the proposed acquisition of more Scorpion vehicles marks a shift toward more enhanced protected mobility, firepower, and interoperability – aligning with EU/NATO combat forces.
In June 2025, the Irish government signed a contract with Thales to provide a towed sonar system for the Irish Naval Service, enhancing subsea surveillance and infrastructure protection capabilities. The system is expected to enter service in 2027.
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/15/new-army-vehicles-under-french-deal-can-automatically-target-perceived-threats-using-ai/
Sources have said that there is a growing issue of inflation in defence procurement as Europe rearms and also provides huge quantities of arms to Ukraine.
https://www.thejournal.ie/french-company-knds-to-provide-new-armoured-vehicles-for-irish-military-as-negotiations-begin-6966577-Feb2026/
People’s Movement News…https://www.people.ie/news/PN-285.pdf

India hosted the recent BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi as global conflicts and economic uncertainty intensify. The expanded bloc now includes Iran, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia alongside Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMxmYztIdEQ

27/05/2026

As more people develop an understanding on the nature of western imperialism, they agree the need for a collective struggle, against those well organised vested interests, like those pro-Israeli funders, and those military defence or corporate lobbyists.
‘Great March for Gaza & International Justice’.
On Saturday 6th June, marchers will be leaving Lurgan town centre at 8.30am sharp and make their way to Newry, a distance of 25 miles - the equivalent length of the Gaza Strip. Please support… https://www.facebook.com/IPSCLurgan/
Activists here are also calling for ‘No to the Thales Expansion’…see their leaflet below.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill also said she is "incredulous" at a UK government deal for a Belfast factory to supply air defence missiles to Ukraine, she said that "rather than buying weapons of war, I would rather see the money invested in public services".
The UK government recently announced that the Thales missile factory is to supply 5,000 air defence missiles to Ukraine in a deal worth up to £1.6bn. O'Neill said she believed "the focus of the international community should always be to work towards negotiation and peace settlements".
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgl0z7gxpg2o

In Cork, activists oppose the operations of Collins Aerospace in Cork, heavily criticizing its ties to parent company Raytheon (RTX), highlighting the facility's production of dual-use technology and its role in the global military-industrial complex.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41711888.html

Shannonwatch has led a campaign to oppose the US military re-fuelling at Shannon Airport, transiting supplies to their military bases throughout the Middle East.
https://www.facebook.com/ShannonwatchIreland/

In Dublin, among the many groups and activities, we must highlight the ongoing work of the People’s Movement, their monthly protest outside Dail Eireann, No to EU/NATO Militarisation…Save the Triple Lock. Also, their regular well researched News…
https://www.people.ie/news/PN-285.pdf

Can The Occupied Territories Bill Have Impact Without Services?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8edjUR5WM0&t=339s
This debate on the Tonight Show is interesting, on the "Services" Exclusion: Approximately 70% of Ireland's trade with Israel is in services rather than physical goods. By excluding services, the Government has avoided directly targeting the digital/tech and financial sectors, which many argue is a calculated move to avoid upsetting the US tech giants operating in Ireland.

20/05/2026

PANA works with a variety of international groupings including the World Peace Council, and our chair Padraig Mannion wished all those peace activists who gathered on the 9/10th May for a European meeting in Prague every success, in the fight against imperialism, militarism, and war. The Opening Remarks by the President of WPC, Pallab Sengupta included…The war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, continues to claim countless lives. The WPC’s consistent position—that this is an imperialist conflict rooted in NATO expansion and geopolitical competition— has been vindicated. We oppose any violation of sovereignty, but we also clearly identify the broader imperialist framework that fuels this war. The refusal of the United States, NATO, and the European Union to pursue genuine negotiations, combined with sanctions and military escalation, prolongs the suffering of the peoples involved…
The Middle East remains a central theatre of imperialist aggression. At its heart lies the unresolved question of Palestine. For decades, the Palestinian people have endured occupation, displacement, and violence. The recent devastating attacks on Gaza and ongoing repression in the West Bank highlight the brutality of Israeli policies, carried out with the full backing of the United States and the complicity of the European Union.
For more information on this event tap on the link below.
https://uspeacecouncil.org/proceedings-of-the-wpc-secretariat-meeting-prague-czech-republic-may-9-10-2026/

There are currently two vacant Dáil seats with the associated bye elections for 1 seat each in the Dublin Central and Galway West constituencies taking place this Friday 22 May, please make Irish neutrality an election issue.

Dr. Margaret Connolly, the sister of Ireland's president Catherine Connolly, has been kidnapped by Israel after the vessel she was on was intercepted by the Israeli military⁠. Dr. Connolly was travelling on the vessel Blue Toys as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver aid to Gaza.⁠ Social Democrat leader TD Holly Cairns said there are "so many actions the Irish government can take". "It's time for you to use your voice, to use your power, to do something about this. Instead of people feeling like they need to come up with their own... to put their lives at risk to get aid into Gaza."
President Catherine Connolly has said she is “very proud” of her sister Dr Margaret Connolly, who was today detained by Israeli forces while part of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
https://www.facebook.com/peoplesmovementireland

In a recent development, the President of Botswana, who faced criticism from Africans across the continent for a video that surfaced online…Interesting report here on Pan-Africanism Vs Macron’s neocolonialism
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1932222677420453

17/05/2026

Well done Uplift - People Powered Change, for this great video clip, covering the recent protest outside the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis in Dublin, highlighting Irish neutrality and the importance of maintaining the Triple Lock...You may have to tap on the post below for it to play.