Revelations linked to Shannon

THE US embassy in Dublin believed the Irish Government clampdown on the use of Shannon Airport for military flights was a political move to “dampen public criticism” ahead of the 2007 general election.

The revelation is contained in a 2006 confidential diplomatic cable from then US ambassador James C Kenny, in which he details “more cumbersome” notification requirements for equipment-related transits in the wake of the Lebanon conflict.

The cable reveals the rules were put in place to give the Government more “latitude to decide on allowable transits,” but privately the Government was “supportive of continued US military transits at Shannon Airport,” principally because of economic benefits to the region.