You are kind.  More likely it is an example of the naivity on international relations prevalent in Ireland - a country which claims sovereignty and neutrality and yet couldn't stop an invasion by fishing trawlers.  We let others do the dirty work of ensuring our security, and then berate them for their militarism.  If we want a European security policy which takes our interests and security into account, we have to make at least a token contribution, and that is what Lisbon was, in small measure, also about.

Vote McCain for war without gain