Dear Editor,
I read with deep disappointment a headline in the Galway Independent quoting Niall Farrell of Galway Alliance Against War accusing me of dishonesty following my involvement in the campaign to outlaw cluster munitions and achieve an international ban. The suggestion was that I, in advocating a yes vote in Thursday's referendum, was being dishonest.

I am proud of my efforts to achieve a ban on cluster munitions. That campaign began after the 1996 campaign that banned land mines and I am happy to continue the campaign for ratification of the Convention which goes not all, but must of the way, to achieve the ban those of us campaigning wished. I campaigned for complete abolition, destruction of stocks, clearance and care for victims and I did this in the Dáil and at public meetings.

I have all my political life campaigned against militarization and continue to do so. I opposed the war in Iraq, in the Dáil and at every public event that drew attention to its illegality and its immorality. I did this even before an Anti-War group was formed in Galway or Dublin and I have been glad to work with them.

As to the armaments industry, I have spoken most recently in the Dáil, on the Control of Exports Bill, and specifically dealt with the need to identify the end use of armaments and I led a campaign to have ethical guidelines put in place, so that Irish pension funds could not be invested in arms production or sale.

To suggest that I favour pension funds being invested in arms or to have "Irish firms sucked in this death industry" is simply outrageous.

Beyond the present referendum I will continue my campaigns for an ethical foreign policy. That, after all is the title of Labour's policy programme in foreign affairs.

I believe that a yes vote which I and the Labour Party recommend following a decision of our National Conference, and several consultations with our members, will create our best opportunity for joining with other like-minded parties in the European Union in advancing these aims.

Voting yes is primarily recommended by the Labour Party because it puts the Charter of Fundamental Rights which is sought by, among others the Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation representing 60 million workers, on a legal basis.

I also believe that Irish neutrality and the neutrality of other European neutral states is recognised and provided for in the Treaty.

I further believe that Irish troops involved in peace building and sustaining peace, operating within the United Nations Charter, have to be assisted with such equipment that will enable them to not only deliver an adequate humanitarian response but to protect human rights. I see that as positive neutrality.