Republican News · Thursday 14 November 2002

Outrage at no Dáil debate on Iraq resolution

Responding to a Dáil ruling that an emergency debate on the UN Resolution on Iraq prior to the Security Council vote was not a matter of 'national importance', Aengus ó Snodaigh TD said that "not only is this an issue of national importance considering Ireland's role on the UN Security Council it is also a matter of urgent international importance." He said the government's decision to prevent a debate prior to the vote was a "disgrace considering the international ramifications of any rush to war in the Middle East".

ó Snodaigh had tabled a motion last week calling for the adjournment of the Dáil to consider the United Nations Security Council vote on the new draft Resolution on Iraq and the need for Ireland to use its vote to oppose this Resolution.

"Sinn Féin does not support the drive to war led by the US," he said. "And we believe there is little or no support for it throughout the island of Ireland. While Sinn Féin also opposes the development, stockpiling and use of weapons of mass destruction we don't believe that this resolution will solve that problem nor that of the many human rights abuses that occur in Iraq.

"This is surely a time where our government has an opportunity to reinstate and publicly support our stated policy of military and political neutrality. It is time for us to make our voice heard within the UN Security Council and to gain support in calling a halt to America and Britain's headlong rush towards war in the Middle East."

In the event, the 26-County government backed the UN resulution.

Funeral in Cork to mourn the passing of Irish neutrality

This Saturday, 16 November, there will be a formally dressed funeral procession through the streets of Cork organised by the Cork Peace Alliance to mourn the passing of Irish neutrality, with the continuing use of Shannon airport by US warplanes. The funeral will be part of a larger anti-war demonstration at which hundreds are expected. The demonstration will begin at 2pm in Daunt Square.