The government’s new National Development Plan commits to ramping up capital spending on the military from €215 million in 2025 to €300 million in 2026, and €360 million by 2029. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael intend to pour €1.7 billion into new military infrastructure – a staggering 144 percent increase compared to the last five years.
Such spending on means of destruction is eye-watering at a time when workers in Ireland are struggling more than ever to afford the bare basics. Average rents in the 26 Counties now stand 50 percent higher than just before Covid and double what they were during the Celtic Tiger! At a time of record homelessness and crumbling public infrastructure, can the government not find a better use for taxpayer money than new barracks and naval ships?
And yet, even that is not enough for our Minister for Defence. Simon Harris warmly welcomed the military budget boost – but reports have since emerged that he was fighting until the 11th hour for an even more nauseating hike in military expenditure.
According to Harris, capital spending on the military between 2026 and 2030 should be €3.4 billion – twice the already increased amount. This is on top of current expenditure, which makes up the majority of the military budget.
Where was this tenacity when Harris as Minister for Health promised to resolve the crisis in lifesaving scoliosis treatment for children? Kids like Harvey Morrison Sherratt, whose blood is on Harris’s hands, are mere loose change to these cynical, self-interested puppets of Western imperialism.
To the imperialists in Washington and Brussels he is simply Servant Harris. You’ll find him leaping to attention at the sight of Rutte or von der Leyen, eager to carry out their wishes to the best of his ability like a good lapdog. So much for so-called neutrality!
Already we are being warned that the working class will have to tighten their belt in upcoming budgets. The message is crystal clear – expect prudence on housing, healthcare and education – but money will always be found for guns.
