Greens fear Shannon will be used by U S without 2nd UN resolution

Wednesday March 12, 2003 21:29

by Graham Caswell - Green Party

Press Release

The Green Party today expressed its concern about the possibility of Shannon Airport being used by US forces in the absence of a second UN resolution.

Green Party Chairman and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, John Gormley, T.D., said that the Taoiseach' s replies to the Dáil this morning were part of a 'softening up' exercise to prepare people for this eventuality.

"Government sources have already indicated that so called US humanitarian flights would be allowed use Shannon even if there were no second UN resolution. This morning in the House the Taoiseach indicated that France and Germany, who oppose a second resolution, would allow landing and overflights in their countries.

The implication was very clear. If they could do so why shouldn't Ireland? Although he stopped short of saying this and reverted to his old strategy of stating that he would make a decision at the appropriate time, it's clear that this government at this stage is well disposed towards allowing the Americans to use Shannon, even in the absence of a second resolution. If the Taoiseach goes down this road, he will experience the greatest backlash of his political career. There will be a repeat of the recent huge demonstration and there could well be civil unrest at Shannon itself."

"As it stands the public are outraged by the continued use of Shannon Airport by the US military while innocent Iraqis have already been bombed, but if Shannon Airport is used while a full scale war is taking place the reaction against the government will be overwhelming," concluded deputy Gormley.