Sweden and switzerland have true neutrality in that they can defend it, up until the late eighties ireland was piss poor so trying to justify a multi billion pound air force was never a runner. Initial WW2 neutrality was based upon devaleras (mistaken?) wish to stay away from englands war and by doing so reaffirming ireland fledgling independence (lets not forget ireland was just coming out of almost 400 years of british occupation and were reticent about aiding the 'oul enemy'). As a result of Irish neutrality during the second world war there has develpoed a 'neutral' mindset within the national psyche which is impossible to shake. It should not be forgoten however that ireland was neutral towards the allies! Allied bomber crews who carried out forced landings in Eire during WW2 were fed, refuelled and helped on their way, German crews were interred, coastal watchposts passed on german air and naval movements to the brits etc. The issue of Irish neutrality duriing WW2 and continued neutrality is still an ongoing debate. Every remembrance day the question is still asked as to why, given thousands of irish volunteers died in allied service, ireland did not just fully ally. In my humble opinion neutrality in WW2 was a mistake, however moaning about it and basing current political and military policy on a almost 70 year old gripe seems daft.