Labour at odds on Shannon war flights

DUBLIN North East Labour TD Tommy Broughan’s recent statements on the use of Shannon airport by US troops have really put the cat among the pigeons in his party.

On November 15, Mr Broughan, who is party Spokesman for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, called for “an immediate phasing out of the use of Shannon airport by US troops”.

However, on November 4, the party leader, Pat Rabbitte, earned the wrath of Labour Youth members when he told them he would not insist on a programme for government that contained a commitment to stop US troops from using Shannon, but would instead call for increased inspections.

The statement by Mr Broughan will widen the gap between Labour and Fine Gael policies on defence and the triple lock — something both parties have been trying hard to reconcile.

The question now arises — what is Labour policy? Does it all depend on the audience in question?

Is Labour calling for all troop movements through Shannon to be stopped, even if they have a UN mandate?

Who speaks for Labour and, more importantly, is any one speaking to Fine Gael about this?

Donnacha Maguire

35 Fr McCullen Park

Kells

Co Meath