Anti-war does not mean anti-US

WITH thousands of anti-war protesters expected to converge on Shannon for a demonstration on Saturday, the Coalition has been left with egg on its face over statements which smeared peace marchers with a pro-Saddam Hussein brush.

That Tánaiste Mary Harney has since felt it necessary to issue a number of clarifications following her criticism of campaigners opposed to the US-British war axis illustrates the embarrassing fallout for the PDs, especially those in the party who might be moved to march for peace.

It was ill-advised of both Ms Harney and Justice Minister Michael McDowell to label protesters in a manner that was reminiscent of the McCarthy era.