When it comes to Irish National Security I talked about how the rest of Europe is clear we face the biggest security crisis since the second world war. People are openly discussing the possibility of a wider European conflict in 3-5 years. 2/12

In Ireland our economy supports the tax base which funds the public services people highly value, is dependent on infrastructure that is vulnerable and we cannot secure today. If the worst comes to pass, as an EU member, we will be unable to stay out of a conflict. 3/12

So I asked: why is Ireland neglecting security? We have the lowest European spend, don't have a full time defence minister. There isn't even a conversation happening. National politicians aren't talking out about the threat, or the fact that we need to change to face it. 4/12

This started a good discussion despite (or because) this stuff rarely comes up for them. I won't go through the details, but the older TD said it's not addressed is as there are no votes in it. I agreed but pointed out this is an issue that is not going away, votes or not. 5/12

The second younger TD pointed out that the problem in talking about security is there is a VERY vocal cohort on the left that challenge any dicsussion on these issues (the usual suspects came up). This is making TDs who might be concerned reluctant to talk about it. 6/12

The current triple-lock discussion was his example. They government expects to take a lot of flak from a very loud faction. He accepts that security and neutrality are seperate but the cranks who drive much of the public discussion don't, and they are strangling debate. 7/12

What do I take away from the meetings? First, I was given a proper hearing, with over an hour with each talking this stuff. The 2nd TD obviously relished the discussion (surely a welcome change from talking about planning objections). Respect to both for engaging. 8/12

Second, for all concerned about Irish national security - the case needs to be made, loudly and repeatedly, that neutrality and national security are separate. Ireland is VERY exposed which puts the services people value at risk in the near term. TDs need to prioritse this. 9/12

Practically speaking this means challenging the naive gibberish that is being spread about the triple-lock, neutrality, national security etc. TDs need to see people want rational arguments on this, and they will not be left exposed for talking the sensible positions. 10/12

It also means we need to get out and meet the TDs. Tell them this stuff is important to you, and change is needed. If they see and hear voices for change they will be more willing to back it, and to go up against the cranks. 11/12

From my point this means I will continue to be the awkward bugger here and elsewhere about security. But also it means I had changed my mind about approaching my local SF TD. He needs to have constituents come in to him with the rational take on this stuff as well! 12/12

@SK_00001 I once asked a question to Pascal Donohoe about our defence spending at an event, basically got fobbed off with buzzwords and him making a 100 million raise in the budget sound like far more than it is. I'm glad I raised it though, maybe it at least crossed his mind afterwards.

@S1epanS Good to raise it all with. Didn't know what reception I would get, so I was happy that neither of them ended up with their eyes glazed over. Not pushing an open door, but I think reality is coming home to many

@SK_00001 Good job fella 👍🏻

@CafeAuLait0101 Thanks

@SK_00001 Good thread, thanks.👍

@WillieE33083828 Your are welcome.

@SK_00001 I should have read on Well done

@1Dunbogue No worries :-)

@SK_00001 Why are you anonymous ?

@Biscuits_78 Why shouldn't I be?

@SK_00001 @McNamara_Eoin Fair play.

@maceochi @McNamara_Eoin Thanks

@SK_00001 Did u ask them about cobalt who got re elected to the Seanad ??

@dubshn1028 Yes. No real answer on why he was not named under Dail privilege - especially as we all know who it is 🙄

@SK_00001 Who are you

@JakeDylo1421 I am me

@SK_00001 Very good thread and very good to hear some TDs actually recognize what needs to be done. I also get their fear from the vocal minority but as I have said to people that's where you start talking and educating those who will listen, obviously the likes of PbP are lost causes.

@SK_00001 👏👏

@SK_00001 Very informative points sk ,well done