Ahern must heed voice of youth

Although it will hardly be comparable to the revolt

Sat, 01 Mar, 2003 - 00:00

122 British Labour Party MPs to Tony Blair’s stance on a war with Iraq, the debate on Irish neutrality — or lack of it — at the Ógra Fianna Fáil conference today should be instructional for Bertie Ahern.

Hopefully, the gathering of young Fianna Fáil members will afford a comprehensive discussion on a subject that has bedevilled Irish politics for decades.

It could not be more topical, given the use of Shannon Airport by American military aircraft and another protest today by organisations that oppose this policy.

One of the questions up for debate concerns the question of our neutrality and the views of the proponents and opponents should ensure the question will be well aired.

Although Ógra Fianna Fáil would not be usually considered an organisation of militants, they should at least give plenty of food for thought to the Taoiseach, Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen and Minister for Defence Michael Smith, who are scheduled to attend and address the conference.

They may find, rather refreshingly, that within their younger ranks there are those who disagree with the official party line.