Ireland not supporting the war, says Government

THE Government yesterday insisted it was not a participant in the 50-member coalition of countries which the US says is providing support for the war on Iraq.

The United States has published a list of 35 countries which make up its "coalition of the willing", but says another 15 members are providing back-up support and do not wish to be named.

Labour's foreign affairs spokesman Michael D Higgins called on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to say whether it was part of the coalition.