'Tyranny Once Again Threatens Europe' - King Charles III

[Sister Sara]

Headline in Ukraine media following Trumps state visit to UK.
Kyiv Post

That the comment comes from the highest position in UK hosting the POTUS is alarming.

In recent months French Health Ministry instructed its hospitals to prepare for a major military conflict by March 2026.
French hospitals told to prepare for war in Europe by next year .

Health Minister Catherine Vautrin defended the move as “normal crisis anticipation”, likening it to pandemic preparedness. Yet Macron has also called for a doubling of Frances military budget by 2027.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine and violating NATO airspaces in recent weeks in acts of "unprecedented aggression" (Donald Tusk).

Russia denies the violations of airspace as misdirections or jammed communications.

It all sounds somewhat ominous I have to say.

 

[Marsupial]

Sound as though it's just the right time to elect NATO-hating Catherine Connolly to the Presidency!

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

I see one of the precautions the French gov are advising its citizens is a stockpile of paracetamol. No reference to Iodine.

 

[Sister Sara]

Absolutely @Marsupial. Unless you want Irish people to be expended in wars for causes that have nothing to do with us. Ireland is playing a pivotal role in providing refuge and medical and humanitarian assistance to civilian casualties of the Ukraine-Russia war. If anything, we should look to increase assistance in those areas.
Instead of spending money on destructive life-disposing weaponary, double our budget for providing humanitarian aid, medical provisions and providing refuge.

 

[Sister Sara]

I see one of the precautions the French gov are advising its citizens is a stockpile of paracetamol. No reference to Iodine.

Might be that as the budget for weapons of destruction spirals, the budget for medical assistance is being cut? Instead of Iodine....

 

[Purple]

Absolutely @Marsupial. Unless you want Irish people to be expended in wars for causes that have nothing to do with us.

Yep, defending the EU, democracy and our own freedom, sure why would we do that when we can hide behind other countries like we've always done.

Ireland is playing a pivotal role in providing refuge and medical and humanitarian assistance to civilian casualties of the Ukraine-Russia war.

You're having a laugh, right? We are the lowest donor in the EU as a percentage of GDP.
We are in 8th place for Ukrainian refugees per capita.

If anything, we should look to increase assistance in those areas.

We certainly should. We make lots of noise domestically but do nothing of value.

Instead of spending money on destructive life-disposing weaponary, double our budget for providing humanitarian aid, medical provisions and providing refuge.

We should do both. It is both in our own selfish interest and the moral thing to do.

 

[losttheplot]

I believe refugees are now being used as a weapon against Europe. Putin and others uses this to destabilise Europe. Double the budget for humanitarian aid treats a symptom. Driving Russia out of Ukraine (and containing Russia) treats the cause. Russia won't attack Europe directly, but flooding Europe with refugees gives rise to a support to the far right ans people like Orban.

We could be part of NATO without committing troops, as Iceland does. To be honest, with our current defence force, NATO wouldn't be too bothered if we didn't.

 

[Marsupial]

double our budget for providing humanitarian aid, medical provisions and providing refuge.

The doctor will see you now, Sr. Sarah. Would you kindly remove your tinfoil hat before entering the surgery.

 

[Purple]

Might be that as the budget for weapons of destruction spirals, the budget for medical assistance is being cut? Instead of Iodine....

Weapons that don't cause destruction aren't much use now, are they?
Democratic countries in the EU have weapons to protect themselves from aggression by totalitarian dictatorships and to help neighbouring democratic countries defend themselves from attack by totalitarian dictatorships. That's the only sort of aid that really matters in a war. Tea and sympathy are worth as much as thoughts and prayers; nothing.

 

[Salvadore]

I see one of the precautions the French gov are advising its citizens is a stockpile of paracetamol.

Has Joe Duffy retired there?

 

[bkenn14]

I see one of the precautions the French gov are advising its citizens is a stockpile of paracetamol. No reference to Iodine

Or to Check the date on the Iodine in case they are long out of date,

 

[redstar]

Bullies operate by pushing boundaries to see what they can get away with. Trumps tariffs, Putins air incursions...

Europe needs to stand up to these bullies otherwise we'll all be in trouble.

 

[Sister Sara]

Yep, defending the EU, democracy and our own freedom

Is the EU under attack? Are we? I have just been outside my back garden, all quiet. What is it like where you are?

We are the lowest donor in the EU as a percentage of GDP.
We are in 8th place for Ukrainian refugees per capita.

Its not a competition. Perhaps if some European nations stopped promising and providing the weaponary there wouldnt be a need for humanitarian aid.

We certainly should. We make lots of noise domestically but do nothing of value.

I highly doubt that is the view of the beneficiaries of our aid contribution. If it were we should tell them where to go if it weren't for the reason to reach civilians caught up in political failure.

We should do both. It is both in our own selfish interest and the moral thing to do.

Maybe we should go all out and try acquire a nuclear bomb?

Nobody is coming to invade us, or attack us, unless we somehow end up associated with an aggressor.

 

[Sister Sara]

Bullies operate by pushing boundaries to see what they can get away with. Trumps tariffs, Putins air incursions...

Europe needs to stand up to these bullies otherwise we'll all be in trouble.

Indeed, and EU is imposing reciprocal tarrifs?
As for reciprocal air incursions, leave that to NATO they would be more than capable.

No-one stood up to the bullies that blew-up critical energy infrastructure in Nord Stream II.

 

[Purple]

Is the EU under attack? Are we?

Yes.

I have just been outside my back garden, all quiet. What is it like where you are?

If that's the measure you use to assess threats then it explains a lot.

Its not a competition.

It's not a pivotal role though, is it? Can you admit that your assertion that Ireland is playing a pivotal role was nonsense?

Perhaps if some European nations stopped promising and providing the weaponary there wouldnt be a need for humanitarian aid.

Is your contention that if Ukraine stopped resisting Russian aggression and just allowed themselves to be conquered and enslaved the war would be over sooner? Yes, if people are dead they no longer require humanitarian aid or the means to defend themselves.

I highly doubt that is the view of the beneficiaries of our aid contribution. If it were we should tell them where to go if it weren't for the reason to reach civilians caught up in political failure.

I'm sure they appreciate the tea and kind words but they want weapons.

Maybe we should go all out and try acquire a nuclear bomb?

Why would we do that?

Nobody is coming to invade us, or attack us, unless we somehow end up associated with an aggressor.

We're already being attacked. It's very unlikely that we'll be invaded as we are surrounded by countries which take they defense and their responsibilities seriously. If our fellow EU States were as childish and selfish as us then it would be much more likely that we would be invaded.

 

[Sister Sara]

Yes.

I've checked outside again. This time I've turned on the radio and TV, still nothing about the EU being under attack.

It's not a pivotal role though, is it?

Ireland provides €36 million support package to war-torn Ukraine | Ireland.ie

www.ireland.ie

Irish Defence Forces to donate vehicles to Ukraine's army

Thirty-four vehicles belonging to the Irish Defence Forces have arrived at a co-ordination hub in Rzeszów, southeastern Poland, and are due to be donated to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

www.rte.ie

Ireland delivers 34 vehicles and demining robots to Ukraine

Ireland delivered 34 military vehicles and three demining robots to Ukraine as part of its non-lethal military aid, the Irish government announced on Sept. 18.

kyivindependent.com

Ireland’s international response to the war in Ukraine

Ireland has consistently supported action at an EU and UN level to call for an end to Russia’s unjustified war on Ukraine

www.gov.ie

https://www.redcross.ie/international-aid/international-aid-ukraine/

“This package of €36 million will provide much-needed humanitarian support and development assistance to people suffering the impact of this unjust war.

"Recognising the particularly horrific impact of the war on women and children, Ireland’s assistance in 2024 prioritises prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence, support for maternity services and rebuilding of homes for people forced to flee conflict and now living in collective centres.

“This latest funding announcement will bring Ireland’s total funding to Ukraine since February 2022 to over €380 million, including approximately €130 million in stabilisation and humanitarian supports.

"Our support for Ukraine is unwavering. Ireland will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as necessary.” - Micheál Martin.

If we are going to squabble over adjectives then perhaps you can admit your assertion...

We make lots of noise domestically but do nothing of value.

... is nonsense?

I'm sure they appreciate the tea and kind words but they want weapons.

Seriously? You want us to start up a military grade weapons industry and start competing against who exactly? The US, UK?

Aside from weapons, their people need medical care and other humanitarian supplies. Every bit as critical as weapons. You see if you cannot treat the wounded and the traumatised then you cannot expect, for long, others to go into battle (even if they have the appropriate weapons).

We're already being attacked.

Checked the national broadcaster website just now - Some horrific stuff in Gaza, but nothing about Ireland or the EU being under attack.

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

Round 10 of ?
@Purple 30 points @Sister Sara 30 points;
interestingly the judges gave 5 rounds to each of them.
Must check if there are any offers on Betfair

 

[Purple]

I've checked outside again. This time I've turned on the radio and TV, still nothing about the EU being under attack.

Check again. Cyber attacks, critical infrastructure blown up, airports closed down. Are you only reading the Socialist Voice?

Ireland provides €36 million support package to war-torn Ukraine | Ireland.ie

www.ireland.ie

Irish Defence Forces to donate vehicles to Ukraine's army

Thirty-four vehicles belonging to the Irish Defence Forces have arrived at a co-ordination hub in Rzeszów, southeastern Poland, and are due to be donated to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

www.rte.ie

Ireland delivers 34 vehicles and demining robots to Ukraine

Ireland delivered 34 military vehicles and three demining robots to Ukraine as part of its non-lethal military aid, the Irish government announced on Sept. 18.

kyivindependent.com

Ireland’s international response to the war in Ukraine

Ireland has consistently supported action at an EU and UN level to call for an end to Russia’s unjustified war on Ukraine

www.gov.ie

https://www.redcross.ie/international-aid/international-aid-ukraine/

“This package of €36 million will provide much-needed humanitarian support and development assistance to people suffering the impact of this unjust war.

"Recognising the particularly horrific impact of the war on women and children, Ireland’s assistance in 2024 prioritises prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence, support for maternity services and rebuilding of homes for people forced to flee conflict and now living in collective centres.

“This latest funding announcement will bring Ireland’s total funding to Ukraine since February 2022 to over €380 million, including approximately €130 million in stabilisation and humanitarian supports.

"Our support for Ukraine is unwavering. Ireland will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as necessary.” - Micheál Martin.

If we are going to squabble over adjectives then perhaps you can admit your assertion...
... is nonsense?

We've given Ukraine €8.37 million a month since February 2022, as outlined by you above. In total they have received €7,186 million a month during that period. That means we have contributed 00.1% of the total. None of that is what they have said they need most; weapons. You described that as Ireland playing a pivotal role. I said that is nonsense. Are you seriously suggesting otherwise?

Seriously? You want us to start up a military grade weapons industry and start competing against who exactly? The US, UK?

What on earth gave you that impression? We need cars but we don't make them. We import them. We don't even make the flour for our own bread. Why would we make our own weapons?

Aside from weapons, their people need medical care and other humanitarian supplies. Every bit as critical as weapons.

Not according to the Ukrainians. I'm just going by what they say because, like, they'd probably know better than you or me.

You see if you cannot treat the wounded and the traumatised then you cannot expect, for long, others to go into battle (even if they have the appropriate weapons).

And if you don't have the weapons everyone dies. That's why they are more important. How do you not understand that?

Checked the national broadcaster website just now - Some horrific stuff in Gaza, but nothing about Ireland or the EU being under attack.

Nothing about Sudan either, or lots of other terrible things going on around the world. They did mention all the cyber attacks and drone incursions though.

 

[Leo]

Check again. Cyber attacks, critical infrastructure blown up, airports closed down.

How quickly people forget the cyber attack on the HSE credited to the Russian backed Conti group, just one of the hacking collectives with links to the FSB.

You can add the funding of disinformation and election interference as well.

 

[redstar]

At least we are well defended, aren't we ?

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