Green Party concerned about EU ‘solidarity clause’

The Green Party has expressed concern about plans to introduce a "solidarity clause" in the draft EU constitution following last week’s Madrid bombings.

Party chairman John Gormley claimed the proposed clause would oblige member states to support military action outside the EU that is designed to prevent an attack on any member state.

He said this was a major departure from previous proposals, which would limit anti-terrorist military action to within the EU’s border.

Mr Gormley also launched a scathing attack today on Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen following his defence of the Irish Government’s role in the US/British war against Iraq.

Mr Gormley said Mr Cowen and his Government colleagues had rendered Irish neutrality meaningless by allowing the US military to use Shannon Airport as part of the Iraq invasion.

He said the Government had supported a war that had increased the likelihood of international terrorism.