Opposition grows against possible conflict with Iraq

Amid growing fears that war is imminent in the Middle East, Sinn Féin TD's and Dublin City Councillors will be taking part in a number of anti-war meetings as part of the build-up to the National Anti-War Demonstration on February 15.

The Irish government has been under mounting pressure after it was revealed that US military personnel – heading to the Gulf region – had been moving through Shannon Airport.

Speaking during the Private Members debate on Iraq yesterday, Sinn Féin's Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin accused the government of wanting the "freedom to pursue their own policy priorities undisturbed by the irritant of democratic accountability" and in so doing "abandon all vestiges of neutrality".

British Prime Minister Tony Blair is in the US today for a summit with President George Bush on the Iraq crisis. Mr Blair, who has described himself as a "restraining influence" on the US President, has already said that Iraq had "weeks not months" to convince the international community that it was not harbouring weapons of mass destruction.

Elsewhere, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the American Federation of Labour have today sent a joint letter protesting against military action in Iraq to President George Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The letter stated that many citizens are "not convinced" that war must be waged now in Iraq.

"Strong reservations are being voiced by peoples and governments across the world, including those of our closest allies," the letter states.

The letter resolved that every possible step should be taken to achieve the legitimate end of disarming Iraq without recourse to war, and to winning the fullest support of the two nation's friends and allies before the path of war is chosen as a last resort.

The letter also states: "On behalf of our two labour movements, and on behalf of working people in both our countries, we urge you to continue to lead the global fight against totalitarianism and terror through the United Nations'

(AM)