US arms flights through Shannon are an outrage

I WAS outraged recently to read that the minister for transport issued permission for aircraft carrying weapons and munitions to land in Ireland no less than 1,495 times last year. That is an average of four aircraft per day.

I would wager that the vast majority of those relate to the US military use of Shannon airport.

These weapons and munitions are being used to occupy Iraq against the wishes of the majority of Iraqi people. We have no way of knowing how many Iraqi men, women and children have been shredded and burned by some of the weapons which passed through Shannon, but it would be dishonest to convince ourselves it does not occur.

Much as we may turn a blind eye, these are the things we collaborate in when our ministers sign these documents allowing US military ‘cargo’ destined for Iraq to pass through Ireland. We are actively assisting the US military illegally to occupy that country by force.

When will our government show a commitment to human rights, democracy and the rule of law?

How many more will die needlessly before the international community stands up and demands an end to this madness?

Tim Hourigan

12 Cedar Court

Kennedy Park

Limerick