From what I understood, I think they’re reasoning is that Ireland must remain neutral in international conflicts, as has been Ireland’s stance since 1922. So by providing a bat to one party they’re taking a side and breaking a century long policy of neutrality.
They see that one side is the aggressor, so they’re still willing to aid the other with food, medicine, clothing, etc but draw a line at weaponry.
Like I said in my other comment, I’m not sure which side I agree with, but they certainly don’t sound opposed to others providing weaponry, just they themselves would rather provide other forms of help.
To stick with your analogy, we generally wouldn’t call out a wee nurse not getting involved in two big blokes having a punch-up if they then ran in and treated the victims wounds. Ireland is only 5 million people and has suffered at the hands of imperialism, having The Troubles as recently as the late 90s. They know bloodshed, an eye for an eye, and the escalation of violence.
To make clear, as this can be a very emotional topic. I’m not taking a side (irony), just trying to explain their reasoning.
From what I understood, I think they’re reasoning is that Ireland must remain neutral in international conflicts, as has been Ireland’s stance since 1922. So by providing a bat to one party they’re taking a side and breaking a century long policy of neutrality.
They see that one side is the aggressor, so they’re still willing to aid the other with food, medicine, clothing, etc but draw a line at weaponry.
Like I said in my other comment, I’m not sure which side I agree with, but they certainly don’t sound opposed to others providing weaponry, just they themselves would rather provide other forms of help.
To stick with your analogy, we generally wouldn’t call out a wee nurse not getting involved in two big blokes having a punch-up if they then ran in and treated the victims wounds. Ireland is only 5 million people and has suffered at the hands of imperialism, having The Troubles as recently as the late 90s. They know bloodshed, an eye for an eye, and the escalation of violence.
To make clear, as this can be a very emotional topic. I’m not taking a side (irony), just trying to explain their reasoning.