Iraqi survey tells a story we should heed
But the Eurobarometer survey, conducted in early October, may be academic after recent events proved there is no peace to keep in Iraq.
A relatively small Irish sample 500 people was in the European mainstream on virtually every question, opposing the US-led invasion of Iraq and favouring a UN and Iraqi takeover there. Fewer than one in five was "totally in favour" of sending Irish troops.
Only a watery 43% "rather in favour" figure pushed Irish "support" for sending troops up to third in the Euro-table, behind the Danes and Dutch.
Note that this question followed others focusing on the UN and humanitarian aid, pushing those Irish buttons and making people likelier to want to appear helpful. Such uncertain results highlight the absence of informed debate here since the war "ended" and brutal occupation began.
A new survey of 1,620 Iraqis by the Centre for Research and Strategic Studies showed only 15% considered the coalition troops liberators, down from 43% six months ago.
That would be the real context for any Irish soldiers going there and no sensible Irish person could support it.
Harry Browne,
Irish Anti-War Movement,
53, Brookfield Green,
Kimmage,
Dublin 12.
