Turning a blind eye to America’s deadly cargo

THE transport of weapons of mass destruction through a civilian airport poses a threat to Ireland (Irish Examiner, Sept 3). Shannon is ill-equipped to protect such a dangerous cargo. If unarmed peace activists can invade the airport, it is possible that terrorists could cause a tragic incident.

On January 13, Foreign Minister Brian Cowen admitted that although permission must be sought by civilian planes carrying arms, only one such request was received last year.

The minister knows that small arms, albeit without ammunition, are being transported by civilian planes. This despite the civilian carriers being “reminded” to ask permission.