Originally Posted by
SLXOwft
The Republic chooses not to have an air defence force for political not economic reasons, this is the country with the second or third highest per capita GDP in the world (depending on source) but its politicians chose to use that GDP to enrich the shareholders of multinationals. They spend c.0.25% of GDP on defence and expect 63% of its population to pay €50+ to visit a GP (unlike £0 for its neighbour).
In fairness the Republic's GDP contains the mega-profits of Apple, Meta and similar multinationals who channel their European rakeoffs to benefit from Ireland's low rate of corporation tax. The 'personal' GDP is around or below European average I think. The Republic's medical system indeed charges plenty but its neighbour charges £0 only in theory. In practice. I'm forking out several £k to jump the NHS waiting list of 70 weeks for an URGENT dermatological appointment, with treatment even further ahead.
Returning to subject, Sinn Fein's pathological hatred of the UK will prevent any co-operation with its forces. They will probably and unwillingly accept a donation of a few billion euro to set up their own defence.
