Greenies pull an anti-war stunt in dail and walk out

national | miscellaneous | news report Wednesday January 29, 2003 17:37 by Eamonn Crudden

from RTE.ie

All of the Green Party's TDs walked out of the Dáil this afternoon during Taoiseach's question time, after displaying a 'No to War' banner.

Mr Ahern had just begun to answer a question about the use of Shannon airport by US troops, in the event of war breaking out, when the Green TDs raised their banner, contrary to Dáil rules.

They were led out by party leader Trevor Sargent.

Deputies are discussing a Private Members' Motion calling for a ban on planes carrying troops and munitions from landing at the airport.

On RTÉ Radio, the Minister for Transport, Seamus Brennan said it had been Government policy for decades to allow military aircraft from many nations to refuel at Shannon.

He said the Government would review the situation if the United States took unilateral military action against Iraq.