Opposition grows to US army use of Shannon

THE Government is facing mounting political and public opposition to the US army’s use of Shannon Airport.

Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen said yesterday the Cabinet would review the Government’s position on Shannon at a meeting this afternoon. (Wednesday)

An official motion will be formulated and put to a special Dáil session tomorrow.

Opposition parties have indicated they will oppose any Government motion that would allow the US military to continue using Shannon without a UN mandate.

The use of Baldonnel Airport in Dublin is also likely to be raised.

Sinn Féin’s international affairs spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the Government had admitted to him that US planes were also using

Baldonnel Airport. Figures released last week showed that 52 aircraft carrying weapons were allowed to land at Shannon Airport in February, an increase of 17 on the previous month.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said: “The Taoiseach will have to face up to some legal and moral issues. To make a decision on pragmatic grounds would be reprehensible.”

Several Fianna Fáil backbenchers have also indicated they would oppose allowing the US military continued use of Shannon. They could not be reached yesterday to see if they will vote against a Government motion.

The Government is also facing a major anti-war backlash from the public with the organisers of last month’s massive march calling for nationwide demonstrations on the day the war begins and more protests next Saturday.

The Taoiseach has already signalled the Government will continue to allow the US military use Shannon, but his spokeswoman insisted last night that no final decision would be made until today’s Cabinet meeting.