I wrote my PhD thesis on public opinion and Irish neutrality, and published several academic peer-reviewed journal articles on small states and neutrality. 

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The research showed evidence of a large gap between the government policy of so-called 'military neutrality' and public preferences for 'active neutrality'. My Seanad agenda seeks to eliminate this gap, and for the democratic wishes and foreign policy values of people in Ireland to be respected and put into practice by Governments.

 

On 15th July 2015, I attended the Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions, to act as an expert witness on Irish Neutrality.

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You can read the speaking notes or watch the video of the presentation: