Bertie takes Redmond line on imperial war
We opposed the war on Iraq and called for the immediate end of the use of Shannon airport by the US in its build-up to war.
Those of us who marched were ignored by the Government which went on to destroy Irish neutrality by allowing Shannon to be used by the US in their conquest of Iraq.
Bertie Ahern was the first nationalist leader since John Redmond to support an imperial war.
Our army has been reduced to the role of Bush’s bodyguards as they protect Shannon airport, which has been used by over 80,000 US troops on their way to maintain the US president’s Middle East empire.
While over 400 US soldiers have died, little attention has been given to the Iraqi victims.
The US-based Project on Defence Alternatives believes between 10,800 and 15,100 Iraqis have died as a result of the US conquest of Iraq.
The FF/PD and Independent TDs and senators who voted to destroy our neutrality, and actively support the war by turning Shannon into a US Airforce base, have drawn us deeper and deeper into a war over oil and religion.
They must be rejected. The only way to remove the US military from Shannon is to remove the Government from power and the first opportunity to weaken them will be next June in the local and European elections.
Roger Cole,
Peace & Neutrality Alliance,
113, Springhill,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
