Harney speaks of Govt's 'tough decision' over Shannon

Saturday April 12, 2003 20:34

by Fiffee O'Malley - Progressive Dictators

Tánaiste Ms Mary Harney this evening spoke of the Government's "tough decision" to permit the United States use of Shannon airport before and during the Iraq war. Last updated: 12-04-03, 17:08

Harney speaks of Govt's 'tough decision' over Shannon

Tánaiste Ms Mary Harney this evening spoke of the Government's "tough decision" to permit the United States use of Shannon airport before and during the Iraq war.

Commenting in the face of continuing criticism of Government's position during the conflict, she drew the distinction between the State's long-standing policy of military neutrality and morality.

Ms Harney, delivering the keynote speech at the annual PD conference in Galway , said the Iraqi crisis had focused attention on foreign policy and relations with Europe, the United States and the United Nations as never before.

She stressed: "Ireland is neutral in that we do not belong to any military alliance. But we are not neutral between right and wrong, between democracy and dictatorship, between the rule of freedom and the rule of fear.

"We were not neutral on September 11. We were not neutral when international terrorists attacked America, for that was not just an attack on America, but an assault on the democratic way of life which unites the entire western world.

"And we were not neutral when a campaign of murder was launched against the Muslims of Kosovo.

"It is important that we do not confuse neutrality with morality."

Ms Harney said Ireland would continue to work within the UN - which she called an imperfect institution and in need of reform - for the maintenance of peace in the world.

"The UN is still the best option available and deserves our support. We accept that support will sometimes involve backing for military action.

"Failure to accept that reality would condemn Ireland to a policy of isolation with no real role to play in world affairs."

Ms Harney said she knew of the "very strong feelings" felt by many people in Ireland over the Shannon issue - but governments had to deal with the world as they find it, and not as they would like it to be.

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Comments (3 of 3)

Mary Harney v Cow

by TPT

Mon Apr 14, 2003 10:52

One is a large,heavy beast with a 4 foot wide arse.It does fuck all but eat and chew all day,leaving a trail of shit behind it.It is prone to a disease that causes it's brain to turn to mush and babble incoherently.The other is a ....

Mor chocolate Mr Ambassador?

by James McKenna

Sun Apr 13, 2003 09:53

She is a disgrace bleeting support for the US and citing her close family and personal links to the US. Nice to know that's on record Mary for when the public become outraged with the US and it's actions abroad. Right now it seems like the US are "winning" so all the lackeys will flock to their side , but give it a couple of weeks....

Does Horney support what the US did in Afghanistan? Is this democracy: Warlords, rape, terror and as much poverty and suppression of women as under the Taliban, if not much more.

Did I miss the elections in Afghanistan or are they happening some day soon? We were to see a "flower of democracy" , I believe.

Supporting war and destruction around the globe is not a wise policy for a party that is supposed to support property and wealth. Not many business people, except those in the arms industry or likely to gain massive contracts from war would support war. War is bad for business and social stability, family values and growth in the economy, or does she not know that?

By the way the Government jet contract for chocolate goes to Moy chocholates. Mary opened their factory for them and is now helping to increase the tens of thousands paid annually to them for the supply of hard, tasteless treats on board our embarassing government jet. I'm sure she dreams about Ferrero Rocher relocating to her constituency!

Oh Irish People, with these treats we are spoiling our representatives.

Fat Cows Against the War And Sexism in the Movement

by Fat Cow

Sat Apr 12, 2003 21:38

Fine, useful for all in the movement to know what she said. She wants to be a power-man, 'Bush's man' as someone was chanting today in Shannon. She clearly does not speak for grassroots women, many of us being also 'fat cows', y'know. Why a supposed web address that attacks big women? Are you suggesting that every woman who is large is a legit target for abuse? Is this the kind of 'other world' you think is 'possible'? Well, we don't want your world and you will not have it without the other half of the population - you know, the half that has the children, does most of the work, is killed and wounded the most in war, raped, attacked and STILL manages to keep everyone alive. And that's whether we are small or large. Have some respect, you arrogant and diminished man!

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Harney speaks of Govt's 'tough decision' over Shannon

Comments (3 of 3)