Ahern warned Dail must discuss troops for Iraq

The Taoiseach has been warned not to enter into any commitment to send Irish troops to Iraq before discussing the matter with the Dáil.

Fine Gael's foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Gay Mitchell, said: "Making foreign policy by stealth and entering into international commitments behind closed doors is the hallmark of the current Government."

Mr Ahern indicated yesterday Ireland could consider sending troops to join an international peacekeeping force in Iraq under a UN Security Council mandate.

"We are neutral, but when it comes to UN Security Council resolutions we've served in every part of the world," Mr Ahern said, after a meeting with Sen Hillary Rodham Clinton in Albany, New York.

Our army may not be great in numbers but when we have been asked we have always contributed, whether it's East Timor, whether it's been in Eritrea or any of the other areas of conflict in the world Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern

"Our army may not be great in numbers but when we have been asked we have always contributed, whether it's East Timor, whether it's been in Eritrea or any of the other areas of conflict in the world," the Taoiseach said.

Mr Mitchell said this morning: "Ireland was committed by the Government to support the Iraqi war before this was even put to Dáil Éireann.

"The Taoiseach will not have such an easy ride if he follows this precedent and commits Irish troops to duties in Iraq.

"Any decision on this matter must be made by Dáil Éireann under the Constitution, and the Dáil must know the precise proposals the Taoiseach has in mind.

"There is no certainty that Dáil Éireann would support sending troops to Iraq and the Taoiseach should not enter into commitments in New York, which he cannot keep," he added.

Senior Defence Forces sources said yesterday a large deployment of Irish troops to Iraq would be unlikely. They pointed out that close to 300 army personnel were already stationed in Kosovo, and it was expected that more than 400 would be sent on peace-keeping duties to Liberia.

That would rule out the deployment of large numbers of Irish soldiers to Iraq, The Irish Timeswas told. A spokesman for the Defence Forces declined to comment in advance of a Government decision.

Mr Ahern is today visiting the New York Stock Exchange and will address the UN General Assembly on Thursday.