It certainly doesn't help for some security expert to call Ireland the "back door" to Europe!
https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022...275385-russia/
A security analyst has said that Russia has chosen to carry out missile tests off the coast of Ireland to "send a message" to Europe and NATO.
Dr Tom Clonan described Ireland as being a "weak link" in Europe when it comes to security and defence.
"Ireland is responsible for 220 million maritime acres of ocean, but we can't patrol it. We have nine ships, four of them are tied up with crew shortages. We can't see into our airpace, as we are the only country in the EU with no primary radar," he said.
He said that we have one of the busiest air corridors in Europe, with 75% of traffic from the EU and Middle East going through Irish airspace, but that we are "effectively relying on the RAF in Britain" to control our skies.
"The Russians are sending a very clear signal to Europe that Ireland is Europe's weakest link when it comes to defence; in security, in the air, at sea and in our cyber domain," he said.
"They do nothing by mistake, they're sending a message to the EU and NATO that 'your defence is weak and this is our back door into Europe'."