Labour seeking statement on Iraq

The Labour party has urged the Taoiseach to make a clear statement about the legality of the use of Shannon Airport by the US military in preparation for a possible war against Iraq.

Party spokeswoman Roisin Shortall criticised Bertie Ahern for postponing a debate on the matter until next week, describing the move as unacceptable.

"There is a potentially dangerous situation developing on a world stage," she said. "We haven't had any input into that and, at the same time, we're seeing now how we are facilitating the United States and it's very regrettable that the Taoiseach has postponed the debate.

"I would call on him to make a very clear statement in respect of the legality of the United States' army personnel using Shannon."