Green Party women criticise FF `breach of faith'

Women should be concerned about the implications of Ireland joining Partnership for Peace, according to the Green Party MEP for Dublin, Ms Patricia McKenna.

Speaking at a press conference in Dublin yesterday, she described as "fundamentally undemocratic" Fianna Fail's decision to join PfP without a referendum, contrary to its pre-election manifesto.

"This step . . . is a serious breach of faith to the electorate," she said. "It also represents support for the aggressive, wasteful and dangerous militarisation of Europe which is taking place."

The conference was held to highlight the opposition of Green women to PfP and to reiterate the party's demand for a referendum. Wicklow county councillor Ms Deirdre de Burca said the "vast majority" of women would be against Ireland joining PfP.

"Women are almost excluded from defence decision-making," she said. "I think Irish mothers would be particularly concerned about the implications of military training for Irish troops and would question what expanding the size of the Army would mean." Ms McKenna also criticised the Government for not carrying out an assessment of what joining PfP could cost.

"How much rearmament will our Army now require and at what cost?" she asked. She said defence sources had estimated Ireland would have to purchase 40 armoured personnel carriers as well as a number of aircraft, at a cost of £40 million each.

Ms Mary White (Carlow County Council) and Ms Heidi Bedell (Fingal) also attended the press conference.