Labour Party, Shannon, Future Coalition
national |
anti-war / imperialism |
news report 
Wednesday November 17, 2004 17:43
by eeekkkkk
simple question / having your cake and eating it reply
Saw Rodger Cole coments about Shannon/elections/Votes etc so for the crack I mailed in this question for Pat Rabbite after a phonecall to the Labour Party press office. I think it speaks for itsself.
Hi XXXXXX,
Question for Pat Rabbite as discussed on the phone.
Will the Labour Party be making the withdrawal of the use of Shannon by the US Military a precondition of entry into any future coalition government?
Thanks,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX (1 of indymedia.ie)
Verbatim e- mail Reply:
Quote from Labour Spokesperson
"The Labour Party is opposed to the use of Shannon Airport by the US Military for the purposes of the illegal war on Iraq.
Labour is totally opposed to the use of Shannon by the US, or any other, military for military purposes not sanctioned by the United Nations.
No negotiations have begun with any other political party on agreeing a platform before the next General Election.
However, the Labour Party will make our position on this issue absolutely clear when that time comes."
Comments (10 of 10)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10as clear as mud
At a public meeting in UCD hosted by the Labour Party Pat Rabbitte was asked if Labour was in government would they stop the use of Shannon by the U.S. military. He unequivocally answered yes.
If you believe a word out of that man's mouth.
If FG where to put the foot down on the issue of Shannon , it is questionable whether the LP would push for the withdrawal of US troops. The Indecisive nature of the party lately makes it hard to judge, but the 'play it safe policy' which will mean (and has been the case) little if any radical policy pronouncements in the run up to the next election, (in case they may scare off the centre/FG vote) doesn’t give those advocating a withdrawal of facilities much confidence.
Look at the short thrift Deputy D. Higgins got, they didn't want him rocking the boat in the advance of a cosy pact with FG. Imagine Michael D getting the airwaves for 2 months, you wouldn't know what left wing statements he might make. No doubt much of this would have been in sharp contrast to the beliefs of FG, in particular their foreign and international policies. Furthermore if FG were in power at the moment, there would be Irish Forces in Iraq at the moment, with the likes of Mr. Deasy as Minister for Defence!
If Labour go into government with FG they'll have all sorts of pressure from the right, that's obvious. How steady they stand against this pressure depends on us -- you and me -- over here on the left.
an in government labour party would be pressured to fudge over this issue, he only saying that cos hes in 'opposition'
'an unequivical yes', would he answer so unequivically to a wider audience?
Firstly, Labour will do whatever they have to in order to stay in power with the blueshirts as they have always done. Spring pulled the plug on Reynolds and FF in 1994 because one of his mates didn't get a plum job and perhaps due to murkier reasons around the peace process. Rabbitte is even less trustworthy as evidenced by his own political history. The only thing he beleives in is himself and his career. As for Labour's integrity being dependnet on "us". How? What can anyone do to prevent any party in power doing as they please?
".......'an unequivical yes', would he answer so unequivically to a wider audience?"
Pat has answered this question repeatedly He's answered it in front of the media, in front of party members and non-members alike.
This site has been ruined by nameles abuse, sly pot-sots and petty point scoring
??? it was a genuine question... I simply don't believe him....
Observer asked: "As for Labour's integrity being dependnet on "us". How? What can anyone do to prevent any party in power doing as they please?"
In a word: organise.
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