Scarce Defence Forces used as ‘festival props’

NEARLY 100 Defence Forces personnel are to be deployed at a festival to remember one of the largest shows of military strength in Ireland - by the British.

Defence Forces representatives have questioned the use of troops at the festival in Co Kilkenny to commemorate a review of 100,000 troops, which happened 300 years ago.

About 70 members of the Kilkenny-based 3rd Battalion, along with an army band, have been ordered to take part in the event.

Some of the soldiers have had leave cancelled, according to representative association PDFORRA.

In addition, about 50 reservists will take part in the event at Kilkenny Castle on Thursday.

It will mark the 1704 review by the British King’s lord lieutenant in Ireland, the Duke of Ormond.

The review of the massed ranks of cavalry, infantry and artillery took place at Bennettsbridge near Kilkenny.

Defence Minister Michael Smith accepted an invitation to attend but will not be making a statement about the event, which an aide described as historically significant.

PDFORRA general secretary Gerry Rooney said troops from the local area were already heavily involved in internal security operations and overseas commitments.

He questioned whether it was “the best use of scarce resources at a time when the Defence Forces is struggling to meet all of its commitments both at home and overseas?

“It is difficult to understand why troops are being used as props for this festival event at a time when use of public funds are under the microscope and when the troops in this area are already overstretched,” said Mr Rooney.

PDFORRA wants the minister to carry out a review of the procedures in place that allows community groups to request troops to be used in such events.

Mr Rooney said a review was necessary because of the reduced numbers in the Permanent Defence Force and its increased operational and training commitments.

Defence chiefs said there was discussion prior to the request for personnel.

A Department of Defence spokesman said: “We did get a request in and it was referred to the military who were asked to provide any support that they could.

“The Defence Forces decided the resources they could commit.”

Fine Gael defence spokesman Dinny McGinley said he had no problem with the event but understood the concerns of PDFORRA and its claim resources were stretched.

Two weeks ago, the Defence Minister attended a Mayo event to honour a soldier in the British Army who was awarded a Victoria Cross for crushing the 1857 rebellion by Indian soldiers.