Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan Does Ireland's neutrality leave room for increased defence spending?
Dec 8, 2025
Naomi O'Leary, Europe correspondent for The Irish Times, explores Ireland's unique approach to neutrality and defence spending. She discusses the historical roots of Irish neutrality and contrasts it with Finland and Sweden's recent NATO shifts. The conversation touches on Ireland's low defence spending, dependency on UK support, and the implications of global security threats like hybrid warfare. O'Leary also examines public opinion on defence budgets and the growing debate on whether increased spending compromises Ireland's peaceful stance.
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Neutrality Is Historically Contingent
- European neutrality varies by history and purpose, not a single model.
- Countries renegotiate neutrality as geopolitics and alliances evolve.
Threats Can Flip Public Opinion Fast
- Finland and Sweden shifted from neutrality to NATO after changing threat perceptions.
- Public opinion swung decisively after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Armed Neutrality Versus Ireland's Model
- Many neutral countries link neutrality to strong defence and conscription.
- Ireland lacks that armed-citizen culture, making its neutrality different in practice.