A majority of Americans using Shannon Airport say US military shouldavail of the facility to prepare for a possible war with Iraq. Gordon Deeganreports.
The use of Shannon has been highlighted in recent days with the establishment of a "peace camp" at the entrance to the airport and the dramatic increase in flights passing through Shannon carrying US troops. In addition, there have been allegations that US aircraft are carrying weapons and munitions. Yesterday, interviews with US citizens departing for Boston and New York at the airport found a majority believing Ireland should continue to allow Shannon to be used by the US military.
Mr John Meyer, of Virginia, said: "I'm not too fond of fence sitters and if Ireland wants to be our friend, it should be friendly and if they do not want to aid us, maybe in the future we will feel the same way towards them."
Mr Meyer added: "It is not smart not to help us because at the moment America is the world's only superpower."
His travelling companion Mr Gabriel Hartman said: "Ireland and many other countries enjoy the protection that we provide, if you do not want it then that is fine. It is after all only a minor favour that is being provided here."
Mr Michael Brandt, from Long Island, New York, agreed. He said: "Of course Ireland should help unless Ireland wants to deal with Iraq. Everyone wants America to do everything, but you can't depend on one person to defend the whole block."
A veteran of the US war in Vietnam, Mr Brandt said: "We're doing the right thing and the right thing is to help other people, and in this case it is the people of Iraq. What's wrong with the US receiving help from countries that we have helped over the years."
A native of Co Kerry, but now a holder of dual citizenship, Mr Michael Goodwin of the Bronx, New York, said: "I would not agree with the views of those in the peace camp. Ireland, and myself included, owe a huge debt to the US and we should provide our facilities for them."
However, Ms Sara Zatz from Brooklyn, New York, said: "If you have a neutral policy, I can't see how you can be shuttling US troops to a war zone. I am highly against the war and support what the peace camp is doing here."
Her friend Ms Sarah Bray agreed: "It is wrong what's been done here, but I think at this stage that war is inevitable. President Bush will not listen to what those in the peace camp or what any other anti-war movements have to say, and the troops will keep coming through here." Fellow New Yorker Ms Jennifer Burke also supports the peace camp: "I'm against this war and anything that contributes towards it."
Shannon Airport employee and member of the Aer Rianta board, Mr Pat Fitzgerald, said yesterday the use of Shannon by US aircraft was saving jobs. "The catering sector in Shannon has been in a vulnerable position and if we did not have these flights coming in, the catering would be in serious trouble."