Irishman travelling to Iraq as human shield

A 55-year-old Irishman is to act as a human shield against any US bombing of Iraq.

A 55-year-old Irishman is to act as a human shield against any US bombing of Iraq.

Mr Merv Baxter, from Cookstown, Co Tyrone, has said that he is prepared to die and he has spoken to his family about the possibility that he might not be coming back.

Mr Baxter, who lives in New South Wales in Australia, is to join a US Christian group, the members of which plan to live in Iraqi hospitals and schools during any future bombing raids.

He is to travel to Ireland on March 18th to say goodbye to his family before joining the other members of "Become The Change", who will meet in London.

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Mr Baxter said that he had discussed his actions with his Australian family, who were not in favour but understood why he was doing it. "My three kids are all in their twenties and they're not keen for me to do something they probably see as a bit stupid, but they respect my decision and understand it," he said.

He added that he had not heard the comments of the head of the US Central Command, Gen Tommy Franks, who said on Wednesday that US forces could not assure the safety of people who deliberately put themselves in danger in Iraq.

"It doesn't surprise me," Mr Baxter said. "I'm certainly worried - it might appear different, but I'm not a fool. I know what I'm letting myself in for by doing it."

Mr Baxter said that he would put his faith in his religion. "I'm a great believer that things do work out for good at the end of the day. People might think it's mad to put yourself in the middle of a war zone, but I think there comes a time in life when you have to stand up and say 'enough is enough'."

He said that he and the others in the group would not use violence against US troops if they invaded.

"The only system that will work is forgiveness and Christianity, because violence has not worked for thousands of years.

"I think some of our Christian leaders are badly lacking in the backbone to stand up and say what is right. We're there to show the Iraqi people that not everyone in the West is like that."