JUNIOR MINISTER Lucinda Creighton has called it “narcissistic”, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has admitted it is a “difficult tightrope to walk” and former Attorney General Peter Sutherland believes integration with Europe’s foreign policy and security should be deeper but Ireland’s neutrality has always been part of the country’s makeup.

Sutherland has gone has far as describing our neutrality as being “sacrosanct” since the country’s official non-participation in World War II.

But as Ireland attempts to take a greater role in European and global affairs, this neutrality could obstruct progress.

Yesterday, NATO’s Secretary-General said that Ireland would be “warmly welcomed” if it got involved in more of the military alliance’s future projects. He also said the nation shares NATO’s values and is a “very important partner”. During the visit, he made it clear that the door is open for Ireland to join the group but that would require forfeiting neutrality.

POLL: Should Ireland give up its neutrality?