Shannon Flights Compromise Neutrality

national | miscellaneous | news report Saturday January 25, 2003 16:00 by Republican

John O'Shea, Kerry Republican Sinn Féin The continued use of Shannon Airport by American military aircraft must be opposed because it undermines Irish neutrality, the Kerry branch of Republican Sinn Féin said today.

RSF spokesman John O'Shea from Ballylongford said that neutrality is continually being eroded by successive 26 County administrations.

"The fact is that by allowing American and NATO warplanes to land and refuel on Irish soil we have helped bomb the people of Iraq and Afghanistan," said Mr. O'Shea.

"The point of being neutral is not to take sides but if possible to assist in negotiations so that both sides may resolve their differences in an environment where none is threatened. The fact is we are now assisting one side by allowing American military air craft use Shannon Airport.

"There is a glaring contradiction in current policy because the American and British way of thinking is accepted here without question. It is our view that if the price of keeping multi-national companies in this country is our traditional neutrality, then the price is too high.

"Just because we oppose American and British foreign policy we are condemned and treated like enemies - but we shall continue to voice our concern for the erosion of our neutrality.

"Instead of just meekly accepting American and British policy we should look to the UN and other neutral countries for guidance."