SF councillor takes anti-war stand

Sinn FΘin councillor Mr Arthur Gibbons has called on all his fellow councillors on Sligo Corporation to show solidarity with …

Sinn FΘin councillor Mr Arthur Gibbons has called on all his fellow councillors on Sligo Corporation to show solidarity with the victims of the American bombing of Afghanistan. He wants them to attend an anti-war candlelit vigil this Thursday at the GPO in Sligo between 7.30 and 8 p.m.

Cllr Gibbons said: "Opposition to the US and British war against the Afghan people is growing throughout the country. As elected representatives on Sligo Corporation, it is our duty to show leadership on this issue."

"The Government's decision to give their firm support to this slaughter must be resisted and must be changed," he added. "Only four months ago, the Irish people told the government in no uncertain terms when they voted a resounding No to the Nice Treaty, that they wanted Irish military neutrality maintained. Yet in typical fashion, this Government has given a two-fingered gesture to the Irish people as they got down on their knees to lick the boots of George Bush and Tony Blair, pledging their full support for this orgy of killing and destruction . . .

"This sheep-like stance by the Irish Government, and the fact that they are either incapable or unwilling to stand on their own two feet . . . or to oppose the state terrorism of the USA and Britain, makes a mockery of Ireland's current position as President of the UN Security Council."