Shannon stopover critics ‘hide behind US security shelter’

YOU gave many column inches to John Lannon of Shannonwatch to highlight his anti-American views on Iraq and Afghanistan (Letters, January 18).

I wish to question the logic of some of his comments.

1. What is the basis for suggesting that the use of Shannon by US troops contravenes our neutrality? Intervention in both Iraq and Afghanistan has UN sanction and Ireland’s foreign and defence policy both support UN-sanctioned activities. The US has effectively withdrawn from urban centres in Iraq and will withdraw fully within a year. Many in Iraq fear the potential for civil war as a consequence.