Ireland's intimate and long-standing relations with the United States were highlighted as never before during the Taoiseach's St Patrick's Day meeting with President Bush in the White House yesterday.
It came in the cusp of the developing crisis over Iraq, and in the middle of the latest set of strategic decisions on the Northern Ireland peace process, in which the Bush team plays a central and highly valuable role. Mr Ahern's statement that there are ample historical and legal precedents for Shannon to be used by US troop carriers, even if there is no explicit United Nations sanction, should heighten awareness and debate on the inter-relatedness of these issues.
Mr Bush emphasised the historical bonds between Ireland and the United States and related them to contemporary political and economic ones. "Today, we are glad to see a strong and free and rising Ireland with so much to offer its people and the entire world. The ties of family and values are adding ties of diplomacy and trade, with commerce between our nations quadrupling in just the last seven years." He said September 11th had reinforced these bonds of friendship. "Ireland is a valued member of the international coalition against terrorism. Ireland has allowed American military planes to use its airports and has helped to rebuild Afghanistan. We appreciate your help in a just and vital cause." He spoke of standing with Ireland in another cause - "bringing security and stability to the people of Northern Ireland."
These are notable and significant words from the most powerful political leader in the world in the midst of such a rapidly developing political, diplomatic and military crisis over Iraq. They must be carefully weighed by all who seek to influence Ireland's international role. Mr Ahern reciprocated by emphasising that "as we forge a path to peace and stability in Northern Ireland, we are deeply mindful of the dangers and insecurity in our wider world." He praised Mr Bush's leadership in going to the United Nations last September to call on the Security Council to face up to its responsibilities on Iraq, culminating in the unanimous Resolution 1441, which gave it a final opportunity to surrender its weapons of mass destruction. Its members have Ireland's full support "as they seek to carry out their heavy responsibility."
Mr Ahern also explained to Mr Bush that Ireland cannot engage in supportive military action over Iraq if there is no further United Nations resolution endorsing it. He has not departed from his position that another resolution would be a political imperative were this State to help the US in a positive sense. So far the Government has justified the use of Shannon and permission for military overflights in terms of the sanction given by Resolution 1441 to exert pressure on Iraq to disarm. Mr Ahern argues that there are historical and legal precedents to continue allowing its use and overflights even when this State is not actively involved. He mentioned the Vietnam war and Kosovo as examples - and went on to say that France and Germany will not withdraw facilities from the US even if they do not support action against Iraq not supported by the UN.
Mr Ahern is clearly signalling the Government's willingness to allow Shannon to be used. It will be up to politicians and public alike to decide whether this is compatible with, or breaches, this State's military non-involvement in a war against Iraq which does not have the express approval of the Security Council.