Sinn Féin shows contempt for Chad peacekeepers

SPEAKING in a recent Dáil debate on the Lisbon treaty, Sinn Féin spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh referred to the participation of the Irish defence forces in the UN-mandated and EU-led peacekeeping mission to Chad as a “military adventure”.

To describe our peacekeeping troops in such a manner was disrespectful and shows contempt for our defence forces.

I realise Sinn Féin’s regard for the Irish defence forces is coloured by past history. Still, it is pitiful to think that a mission with a central purpose of peacekeeping, being carried out in a highly dangerous area, should be described as a military escapade.