Ahern gambles on letting US continue to use Shannon (IRELAND SUPPORTS ALLIES ALERT)

The Irish Independent ^ | March 18, 2003 | Brian Dowling

[MadIvan]

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern is poised to take the biggest gamble of his political career by supporting the US military's continued use of Shannon airport - even for an American-led invasion of Iraq.

With all the opposition parties now united in calling for facilities at Shannon to be withdrawn because of the "go-it-alone" stance of the US coalition, the Government looks set to finally face a decision on the crisis.

Yesterday, Mr Ahern and Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen assessed the latest developments for 30 minutes before they attended the GAA club finals at Croke Park.

The Cabinet will consider the impending war with Iraq tomorrow and ministers are expected to set out their stand on the role of Shannon airport. The Dail is unlikely to be recalled until war begins.

It appears, however, that the Government will go in the direction hinted at by Mr Ahern during his trip to the United States last week. In Washington, after his meeting with President Bush, he pointedly said that facilities at Shannon were available in previous conflicts, even without any UN resolutions.

He also said that if the Government withdrew landing facilities, it would be the only country to do so. And he said this was different to supporting an invasion that was not authorised by the United Nations.

Mr Ahern and members of the Government are acutely aware of Irish public opposition to the war. This was highlighted by the 100,000 people who protested in Dublin recently and strong opinion poll findings showing a majority opposed to the US military use of Shannon airport, with or without UN sanction for a war.

It seems the Government hopes to balance its stance on Shannon with a declaration that it cannot support an invasion that does not have the backing of the UN.

Last night, Labour Party foreign affairs spokesman Michael D Higgins insisted the time had come for the Government to end its "cowardly silence" and to speak up for peace and the upholding of international law.

"The cowardly equivocation of Bertie Ahern and his government colleagues over the past few months has brought shame on the country.

"The voice of Ireland on international affairs - once proud, once strong, once genuinely independent - has been reduced to an impotent whimper," he said.

[MadIvan]

I'm going to refer to Michael D Higgins from here on in as "Fruit Loop Boy". He is bordering on hysterics in his opposition to war.

Nice to know Ahern is on side. Stop drinking that French wine, and pick up a pint of Guinness.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[Happygal]

Told ye!

I knew that Ahern & Co. wouldn't give into the tree-hugging leftists (like Michael Twee). I'm no big fan of Fianna Fail, but I'm glad Bertie finally made a decision. :-)

[PoisedWoman]

More than half of the NY firefighters and police officers who died at the WTC attack were of Irish descent. You'd think Ahern would roll out the red carpet for our troops.

[Arkie2]

It's an empty jesture at this point as all but one US airline have pulled out of Shannon.

[wimpycat]

"The voice of Ireland on international affairs - once proud, once strong, once genuinely independent...

I love the Irish to death, but Michael D. Higgins is stretching it a wee bit here.

[aBootes]

It's an empty jesture at this point as all but one US airline have pulled out of Shannon.

Although the article is not clear, I believe that the issue is support for military flights, not our civilian ones.

[Dutchy]

A post St. Pat's bump!! Bernie Ahern stands firm!!

[Wphile]

Woo hoo! First the UK vote and now Ireland.

Oh, poor Jacques Chirac...