Ireland's Neutrality 'Compromised' Since Iraq

A Labour Party spokesman has told a foreign policy conference that Ireland's neutrality has been "severely" compromised since the war in Iraq.

Speaking at yesterday, the party's spokesperson on Transport Joe Costello, said Ireland became embroiled in the conflict with Shannon airport being used as a transport hub for US planes, personnel and materials.

Mr Costellos comments come as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to cancel a London high-profile signing of his new memoirs because of a demonstration at a similar event held in Dublin.

In Mr Blair's new controversial book, the former PM has defended his decision to invade the troubled state of Iraq despite mass public protests and cabinet dissent.

In his speech at the weekend, Mr Costello said hundreds of thousands of US soldiers passed through Shannon during the last eight years and claimed there was evidence too that Shannon had been used for the practice of extraordinary rendition, which involved torture by the CIA and US military.

"There is need for a … statement that the Island of Ireland, its people, resources and facilities will not be involved actively or passively in external aggression," Mr Costello said, he added: "The Labour Party believes that Ireland should have a much more clearly defined and ethical foreign policy."

American President Barack Obama announced last week the US would be instigating "Operation New Dawn" that would see the "draw down" of US troops from the state. The war in Iraq, which began in 2003 has led to over one hundred thousand civilian deaths and ongoing violent attacks.

In late August 2010, insurgents conducted a major attack with at least 12 car bombs simultaneously detonating from Mosul to Basra and killing at least 51. The attack took place on the day of the 'draw down's' announcement.

(DW/KMcA)