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.