The Dublin judge who referred to the Irish peacekeeping mission in Lebanon as a "farce" has issued a statement regretting any upset to the families of the 45 soldiers who died there on UN duty, writes Jim Cusack, Security Editor.
Judge Desmond Windle made his remarks during the trial on November 22nd of a soldier charged with driving without insurance.
The judge asked an Army officer who gave evidence on behalf of the soldier if he thought that sitting in a tent in the Lebanon while the Lebanese and Israelis were firing over their tents could be described as "distinguished service". The witness said that such service could be described as "courageous".
The judge commented: "It's all a farce and putting people's lives in danger."
The Defence Forces issued a statement regretting the judge's remarks and pointed out that they could be offensive to the families of the 45 soldiers who had died on peacekeeping duties with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) over the past 22 years.
In a statement yesterday, Judge Windle said: "I in no way intended to reflect on the courage, competence or integrity of any member of the Defence Forces serving abroad. I regret that they interpreted any of these comments in a negative way or on their bravery in the difficult situations in which they are often placed.
"I regret that the relations of deceased members of the Defence Forces should have thought that I considered their deaths to be in vain. In particular, I regret any upset to the relatives of those who may have died on UN service, especially in the Lebanon."