Ahern defends Shannon security bill – but at what price?

RECENT Comments by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern (Irish Examiner, January 4) that the annual security bill at Shannon for US military traffic is justified shows scant regard for the lives or human rights of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The bill of more than €3 million a year is spent to facilitate occupying forces who cause ongoing fear, suffering and violent civilian death.

And while the movement of troops is estimated to have been worth around €7m to the airport in 2009, for this we have abandoned all traces of neutrality, international humanitarian law and respect for human rights.