Archbishop should condemn war flights

IT was very good to see Archbishop Diarmuid Martin recently seeking ways to reduce violence in our society.

But how is it that the archbishop can turn a blind eye to US soldiers landing at Shannon on their way to Iraq to add to the already heinous death toll, estimated at 655,000, since the illegal invasion by Bush and Blair in 2003.

Archbishop Martin should dissociate himself from all the violence in Iraq by condemning the use of Shannon to facilitate the continuation of war there. The Catholic Church has always asserted the sacredness of all human life. However, it seems this does not apply to Muslims. Just because Bertie Ahern wishes to cosy up to Bush does not mean the Catholic Church in Ireland must follow suit. It is time for real leadership in this country from some source or other.