FF backbenchers intensify bid for Dáil recall
Six Fianna Fáil backbenchers have stated their opposition to the US military’s use of Shannon.
The Taoiseach has signalled the Government will continue to allow the US use Shannon even if it goes to war without a UN mandate.
Mr Ahern met with Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen yesterday as diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the growing crisis failed.
The Cabinet will meet tomorrow to formulate the Government’s official position on Shannon Airport.
Fianna Fáil backbencher Martin Brady yesterday called on the Government to stop the US military using facilities at Shannon.
“We believe the Government should stop the US using Shannon because it will also become a genuine target for terrorists attacks,” the Dublin North East deputy said.
Another Fianna Fáil backbencher, John McGuinness, said the Dáil must be recalled immediately to review the use of Shannon because there is no UN backing for war.
Opposition parties also intensified pressure on the Taoiseach yesterday to recall the Dáil.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the Government will have to tell the US we are closing off Shannon if America invades Iraq without a UN mandate.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said the Taoiseach must fulfil his pledge to allow a debate on the imminent war in the event of unilateral action by the US.
Green Party chairman John Gormley claimed the Government will put intense pressure on Fianna Fáil backbenchers opposed to the US military’s use of Shannon to toe the line in the coming week.
Responding to demands for the Dáil to be recalled, a Government spokeswoman said there were still no plans to do this.
But if war breaks out the Taoiseach is expected to recall the Dáil immediately.
“The Taoiseach has said if there was no second UN resolution sanctioning an attack on Iraq, the Cabinet would meet to decide our position and the Dáil will be given a chance to debate the issue,” the spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, CIÉ workers yesterday said they will down tools for 10 minutes at noon on the day of an attack being launched on Iraq.
