For instance, what would happen if a planeload or two of Russian paratroopers landed at Shannon and took over the airport? Simon Harris made a determined effort earlier this year to get a significant increase in defence spending, but the original target of €3 billion was cut in half by the department. While strict supervision of public spending is necessary, our current Exchequer surpluses mean there is no excuse for not giving defence the priority it deserves. The EU and most of its member states are now engaged in a dramatic escalation of defence spending. Defence will probably be the biggest item on the EU agenda during the Irish presidency in the second half of 2026.
