14th January 2003

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Sinn Fein slams arrogant Government's about-face after week of denials and lies

Sinn Fein's spokesperson on International Affairs and Defence has described the government's statement that US troops are in fact carrying arms on planes landing at Shannon Airport as a ``remarkable about face'' following a week of denials, misinformation and lies.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:

``Sinn Fein is demanding the immediate recalling of the Dáil to discuss this very grave matter. Not only is Irish neutrality clearly being breached but so too are our strict aviation laws.

``The Ministers statement confirms what anti-war protesters have been saying for weeks. This arrogant government without the approval of the Dáil or the people has been engaging in an exercise that will make this state party to the build up of military forces in the Middle East that will ultimately be responsible for bringing devastation to the region.

``It is an absolute outrage and the Minister must be held accountable.''

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