Photograph: Max Mumby/Getty ImagesIreland’s relationship with Nato is under threat due to “recent political shifts in Irish leadership”, the former UK military chief has said. Jock Stirrup, a member of the House of Lords, made the comments during a parliamentary debate on the security of undersea cables. Between 2006 and 2010, Mr Stirrup was the UK’s chief of the defence staff and its most senior military officer. The Irish and UK governments are drafting an updated memorandum of understanding relating to defence matters. During a debate on the matter in the House of Lords last month, several members also criticised Ireland’s approach to defence.
