Why should we accept Condoleezza’s word?

A SAYING attributed to the Manx holds that “a liar is not to be believed even when he tells the truth”.

This is sound wisdom when applied to the Bush administration — especially

to a well-documented prevaricator and dissembler like Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice when she offers assurances to the Government concerning the non-use of Shannon airport for US ‘torture flights’.

Within the press, the blogosphere, the citizenry and international governing bodies it is considered highly likely, if not definite, that Shannon was used by the US in the course of grossly violating human rights and international law.

Yet Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern insist there will be no investigation — they simply trust Ms Rice. Other people have done that and it has cost tens of thousands of lives. The Aherns might just as well admit complicity outright. It is a simple calculation.

The charge that Shannon has been used for ‘rendition’ flights is so egregious that if it had no merit, an investigation demonstrating this should be most welcome by any innocent government.

I hope the opposition parties afford voters the opportunity to bring some accountability to bear at the polls by not allowing this disgraceful toadying to torturers to go unchallenged.

Steven A Harrington

Black Ball View

Knockroe East

Allihies

Co Cork