Ahern admits that Bush thanked him for Shannon

Monday April 07, 2003 13:36

by Hilda Robinson

On the Dáil record the Taoseach, under questioning from Joe Higgins TD (Socialist Party- Dublin West), admitted that President George W Bush thanked the Irish Government for use of Shannon. Here is text of Dáil record:

Joe Higgins: The Taoiseach said diplomatic efforts were still under way in regard to Iraq when he met President Bush. I knew at that stage and for some time before, as I am sure did the Taoiseach, that the United States would invade. Did the Taoiseach tell President Bush that an invasion of Iraq would be illegal in his terms, a criminal venture, and should not be carried out? Will he give me a straight answer to that question? Did he tell him the views of the Irish people on an invasion and about the 100,000 plus people who marched in Dublin in opposition to his policies? Does the Taoiseach regret presenting President Bush with a bowl of shamrock, a symbol for the Irish people, in view of the atrocities for which his forces have been responsible since? I ask the Taoiseach not to lecture me on Saddam Hussein because he did not bring him shamrock on this occasion, although some of his colleagues might have brought him some in the 1980s for all we know.

Did the Taoiseach discuss with President Bush or any other responsible person, or irresponsible in view of what has happened since, the question of this country facilitating troops going through Shannon on their way to Iraq, overflights of US military aircraft or any other such details? Is it conceivable that the Taoiseach, as leader of this country, could go to the United States and not discuss those issues with senior people in the US administration in view of what was about to unfold?

The Taoiseach: To give the Deputy a straight answer, I outlined to President Bush the Irish views and the concerns of people here. I informed the President of the Irish view that we would like, more than anything else, a second UN resolution. I did not tell him the war was illegal but outlined the difference of opinion in terms of a second UN resolution. I told him we wanted a second resolution so he was aware of our position.

I am not sorry I met the President of the United States. I respect him and his Administration. I am not apologetic for presenting the shamrock on behalf of the Irish people.

President Bush acknowledged that Ireland had been of assistance by allowing landing and overflights. He understood this was creating controversy and was aware that three of the four carriers of US troops had already ceased stopping in Ireland. I did not go into any great detail on this and the President did not press me in any way to continue with our position.

Mr. J. Higgins: So, he thanked the Taoiseach for his assistance in the war.

The Taoiseach: He thanked us for allowing the United States overflights and landing facilities.

Mr. J. Higgins: To facilitate his invasion of Iraq.

The Taoiseach: It is a facility that has been there since 1955 and he is aware of that position. I did not get into the detail but the President acknowledged that we had not withdrawn that facility.

Mr. J. Higgins: The President was thanking the Taoiseach for assisting him in his war on Iraq.

The Taoiseach: No, he did not thank me for assisting in the war.

Mr. J. Higgins: Yes, he did.

An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy Higgins, please.

The Taoiseach: He acknowledged that the overflight arrangements in Shannon are still in place. That is not the same thing in Irish law or in international law, and Deputy Joe Higgins knows that.