Dail Debate on Iraq - Thursday

by eeeekkkkkk Tue Mar 18, 2003 15:58

Ahern recalls Dail for debate on Iraq
By Piaras Murphy and Patrick Logue Last updated: 18-03-03, 13:02

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has asked the Ceann Comhairle to recall TDs for a Dáil debate on Thursday on the crisis in Iraq.

"The Taoiseach has requested the Ceann Comhairle to summon the Dáil to meet on Thursday at 10.30 a.m. for the purpose of discussing recent developments in relation to Iraq," a Government spokesman said.

The debate is scheduled to last for six hours.

With war in the region now expected within days, Mr Ahern was under pressure from the Opposition parties to recall the Dáil for a debate on the war and the use of Shannon by the US military.

Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny said last night he was contacting the Taoiseach to request that the Dáil be recalled to debate the imminent war in Iraq.

"As this war may begin within the next two or three days, it is vitally important that the Dáil should meet urgently to discuss this crisis and to hear whether the Government will honour its commitment to stand by the primacy of the United Nations," Mr Kenny said in a statement.

The Labour Party spokesperson on justice Mr Joe Costello said: "The refusal by the Taoiseach to recall the Dáil immediately to discuss the Iraqi crisis is an affront to democracy.

"At a time when parliaments all over the world are debating this crisis, Ireland is made to look a laughing stock by the Government which is unwilling to speak out on the issue."

The Government must decide whether to continue to allow the United States use refuelling facilities at Shannon Airport in Co Clare in the absence of a UN resolution authorising war in Iraq, he said.

The Taoiseach pledged earlier this month that the Dáil would be reconvened if the international position changed during the St Patrick's week break - but that move could be delayed until hostilities are actually under way.

Previously, the Taoiseach said such a resolution was a "political imperative".

Transport workers in CIÉ yesterday said they would be supporting a call by the Irish Anti-War Movement to stop work for ten minutes at noon on the day after any attack by US and British forces on Iraq.

The group said it was a "humanitarian gesture of reflection for all those who will lose their lives during the course of this unjust war".

by for what it's worth - hope springs eternal Tue Mar 18, 2003 16:18

List of TDs who voted against withdrawing refuelling facilities at the last Dail vote. Get on to them now.

by arthur Tue Mar 18, 2003 17:25

Every-one who can should be at the Dail protesting on Thursday!
When are the Irish Left going to get it together, and start moving?

by BlackPope Tue Mar 18, 2003 19:32

and let the slime feel the reverberations of resistance ... maybe they will find their spines ... if not, then they will be responsible for the consequences which we will bring them

by Event Details - Thursday @ 10am Tue Mar 18, 2003 20:47

At Leinster House, Dublin 2