The Expedience of Tradition: Ireland, International Organization and the Falklands Crisis

Abstract

The Fianna Fáil Government of Charles Haughey adopted a publicly conspicuous position of independence during the Falklands crisis of April–June 1982. Mr Haughey defended the departure from European Community solidarity and the active role in the UN Security Council on the grounds of ‘traditional neutrality’ while his critics accused him of opportunism and improvisation for domestic political advantage. The sharp deterioration in Anglo-Irish relations caused by the episode has not proved lasting. Nor has there been any significant change in Ireland's overall international relations.