FG attacks Taoiseach's comments on war

Fine Gael has attacked the Taoiseach for committing the use of Irish air space and Shannon Airport to US troops carrying out a unilateral war against Iraq.

"Why did the Taoiseach not make such an implicit statement in the Dáil yesterday, where he could have been questioned by deputies?," Fine Gael's Gay Mitchell asked.

"It is outrageous that he waited until the Dáil recessed to make such a commitment to the US. The spirit and the letter of the Constitution requires that any decision of this nature be made by Dáil Éireann, as was the case with the Gulf War.

"It should not have been announced abroad in an interview with a journalist. This will involve Ireland in a war in direct contravention with the UN Charter.

"For the Taoiseach to announce this in Washington is an appalling miscalculation. The Dáil should be recalled for next week so that the Taoiseach can account for Government policy to a proper forum."