An Irish peace activist called to give evidence before a European Parliament committee investigating CIA activities in Europe and allegations of so-called "rendition flights" transporting prisoners for torture has been accused of making too many assertions without facts.
Former Army officer Edward Horgan, who appeared before a parliament committee to help MEPs build up evidence that the CIA is transporting prisoners via European airports, fell foul of his demanding audience.
While he provided eyewitness accounts, flight log details and some photographic evidence relating to the use of Shannon airport, Mr Horgan was unable to prove that US aircraft landing in Shannon had carried prisoners.
He argued that if Shannon airport flight logs were linked with logs in other countries, it would probably show that aircraft coming through Shannon were involved with the transport of prisoners. He admitted however: "We haven't as yet associated them [ the logs] with prisoners being taken through Shannon."
Fianna Fáil MEP Seán Ó Neachtáin said he found it "extraordinary" that the allegations were made "without any substantial evidence of any kind".
Pressed by Fine Gael MEP Simon Coveney on whether the Government knew about CIA rendition activity after September 11th, Mr Horgan admitted his evidence was based on opinion.
However, Labour MEP Proinsias De Rossa pointed out that the Government had blocked a parliament inquiry into Irish airports being used by CIA aircraft.