What is the government's policy on Iraq?

national | miscellaneous | news report Thursday January 23, 2003 19:10 by An Irish Green

If they're for the war they should say so

Are we for a war? Against a war? Are we neutral? Are we the 51st state? Why is this so difficult to find out?

Green Party Chairman, Deputy John Gormley, today accused the Government of
'running for cover' over the issue of Iraq.

"The Green Party has been trying to get a clear statement from the Government on
its Iraq policy for months. Now, with a major war looming and Shannon Airport
bursting with US military activity, we had expected that the Government would at
last, in next week's reconvened Dail, reveal its policy. Instead, the Dail is
being fobbed off for a further week: not until February 4th will time be given
for 'statements' on the issue. This is a completely unsatisfactory way of
dealing with an upcoming war and Ireland's involvement in that war. The Greens
will be insisting on a real debate on this issue, with a substantial question
and answer session. With this Government, accountability has gone out the
door."

"We will not, however, be satisfied with waiting until February 4th for
answers", added Deputy Gormley. "There is absolutely no reason why either the
Taoiseach or the Minister for Foreign Affairs cannot make a statement today. The
French and German Governments have no problem speaking their minds on this issue
and both of these countries are military allies of the United States in NATO.
Our Government's silence in face of what could be a major international
catastrophe is totally unacceptable".

The Deputy concluded: "The Green Party will be holding a press conference on
Iraq this Monday, January 27th, and we will continue to highlight the
Government's silent complicity with US preparations for an illegal war against
Iraq".