Calls for debate on Ireland’s response to terrorism

Opposition parties have called for a full Dáil debate on the threat posed by international terrorism and the Government’s response.

Mr John Gormley, of the Green Party, lashed out at the Taoiseach's decision to allow the US armed forces to use Irish airports, branding the move unconstitution

The Green Party lashed out at the Taoiseach’s decision to allow US armed forces use Irish airports, branding the move unconstitutional.

Mr John Gormley, the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, said the decision violated Article 28.3.1 of the Constitution, which states Ireland can only join a war with the ‘assent of Dáil Eireann’. This assent had not been sought or given, he said.

He added he believed there was no United Nations mandate for the US action, and therefore Ireland would be in breach of the UN Charter if it participated.

"No matter what spin the Government tries to put on this we are now accessories and participants in the American war effort which could ultimately lead to the loss of innocent Afghan lives", he said.

Fine Gael said the Taoiseach failed to even mention the issue when the Dáil sat in special session last week and it was now time to make a comprehensive statement outlining Ireland’s position.

The FG foreign affairs spokesman Mr Jim O’Keeffe said today this was a time of national crisis and decried Mr Ahern for what he called his lack of leadership.

"The Government’s response to date has been fragmented and confused and has fuelled rather than allayed concern among the public," he said.

The Labour Party’s Mr Michael D Higgins demanded any action by the Government be undertaken under the aegis of the UN.

The fight against international terrorism must be an international effort, he said, but warned against "bellicose responses that seek an instant military response irrespective of the consequences".