Daily Ireland Draws Link Between Iraq War and Salthill War Show

by Galway Bay FM Thu Jun 01, 2006 13:14

Just heard the above story discussed on the Keith Finnegan show Galway Bay FM with Niall Farrell from Irish Anti War Movement (I think). The whole annual air show is a big story here in Galway.

A few things arise from this mornings discussion.

1. The RAF did not deny the story when contacted by Galway Bay FM.

2. Finnegan kept on saying that this Merlin Team are performing in Dublin this weekend and in Belfast and somewhere else in the North last month. He was saying this like it undermined the story. RUBBISH...it should make it a bigger story!! One month after the 1916 Rising commeroations we have RAF pilots in the skies over Ireland showing off their moves. That is while the British are occuping a nation (Iraq)...like they occupied this island...this is pure maddness.

3. Finnegan said the helicopter that is coming was not actually in Iraq, well I don't know if that is true they could have washed the blood of it first. However even if it was'nt so what? the same type of helicopters are in the skies over Basra right now..

this is a small part of the militarisation of Ireland that is taking place...Shannon/ the military 1916 commeoration/ Pfp/ eu battlegroups...we will be in NATO by the end of the decade...check out PANA's website the best source of info on all of this.

"Whoop it up for Liberty"!

by MichaelY - iawm Thu Jun 01, 2006 13:38

Good to see Niall. the GAWA, Galway FM and Daily Ireland focussing on crucial issues linking the war, our opposition to it and the Galway Air Show.
A question: Have preparations for the Iran meeting in Galway the week after next been finalised? I know there is a key debate here in Dublin on Thursday June 15th details of which will be forthcoming. Will Galway be part of the tour involving Belfast and Cork? Let us know.
Well done comrades one more time - continue the good work
Solidarity

by Galway resident Thu Jun 01, 2006 14:02

Finnegan is notoriously right-wing. He crossed a shell to sea picket on a statoil last year and when one of the picketers over reacted he went on air and bad mouthed the whole campaign claiming that until that point he had supported shellto sea. Fair enough, then why was he using a statoil garage when there were protesters outside. On the rare occassions I have ever listened to his show he has displayed a bizarre obsession with talking about mass to make him that bit creepier.

by Suggestion? Thu Jun 01, 2006 14:23

That Shannon is the direct link between Galway and Iraq. Most of the planes take off from Shannon during the Galway air Show. t wouldnt take much to shut down shannon for a few hours>

by suppose Thu Jun 01, 2006 14:50

I suppose the difference between this and Shannon is that this airshow has been flagged as a "family day out".

I think the link is shocking anyway.

There is an argument whether the RAF should be involved anyway by the way! especially considering this is the week that the new Ken Loach film about OUR colonial history has come out:( and Loach has made the link between the Tan war and the Iraqi resistance.

http://dailyireland.televisual.co.uk/home.tvt?_scope=Da...opp=1

by anon Thu Jun 01, 2006 16:06

http://www.teammerlin.airshows.co.uk/bio.htm
http://www.dublinks.com/index.cfm/loc/9/pt/0/spid/47591...C.htm
http://www.mach1.ie/home.htm - oh its cancelled

by RAF Thu Jun 01, 2006 18:28

RAF should not be involved full stop

by BGIGLES - * Thu Jun 01, 2006 20:57

The RAF are coming here, yet again for some display flying.

Why is this in any way objectionable ?

This earth shattering link between Iraq and Galway is really the most feeble piece of tendentious irrelevance that I have seen this week ! What is the real problem with the RAF ? Is there any reasoned problem with the RAF or is this just a spurious opportunity to regenerate the " BRITS OUT " mentality ?

Personally, I am looking forward to seeing them and will enjoy the displays yet again this year and will remain free of the contaminating sourness of the compulsory objectors.

by Andy O Brien Thu Jun 01, 2006 21:26

God but you people make me sick with your ranting and raving about planes and helicopters, it shows how much you know about the Merlin, its the latest transport helicopter and will also be taking over from the Sea King in search and rescue it has not been in Iraq to date. You can pick any aircraft in the World down to the hunble Cessna as flown by flying clubs and even they are in Military forces.

If you fly to Cuba from Shannon you fly in ex Russian Aircraft converted to passenger transport, in your eyes planes mean only one thing but in countries like Liberia,Kosova,and other countries where they are used for peacekeeping they mean protection for the people in these countries but you people have only one eye open the other is closed.

You have only one agenda in all of this you are not anti war but what you are really about that is that you hate the US and Britian.

by Superman Thu Jun 01, 2006 21:38

The BBC in a recent article say that Air Shows are now the biggest crowd pulling event in the World having overtaken football.

Thank God that the millions of people that go to them every year are people who enjoy aviation and not like you nutters, if you people had your ways we would not be able to fly in them let alone look at them.

I had the pleasure of being at the Southend Air Show near London last week where 250.000 people attended, every one had a great day and I was not tarnished in any way by the show despite not approving of war I dont go nuts like you people go (Thankfully)

Rember in the first World War they used Baloons to drop bombs, in your eyes if it flys thats it

by Dub Thu Jun 01, 2006 22:46

Daily Ireland

Its a rubbish paper that I use for the toilet. its full of absoulate rubbish in fact most newsagents in Dublin dont even stock it it makes me sick to read the rubbish they print.

Its only good for one thing and thats what I use it for

by rubbish Thu Jun 01, 2006 22:47

sorry guys this is not an amoral airshow.

They are not normal helicopters they are military aircraft, they ccarry 24 troops and have two machine guns on either side.

they are used for war... in southern Iraq presently

if there were rockets and bombs being shown in Salthill would people complain? well yes they rightly would.

This is no different except helicopters do cool moves etc. etc.

Good on the anti war group in Galway..the fact that they are british is not the issue.. the fact that they are war machines IS.

end the occupation of Iraq!

by yep Thu Jun 01, 2006 22:54

"its full of absoulate rubbish"

they won't be asking you to be a sub editor anyway!!!

"in fact most newsagents in Dublin dont even stock it"

must be rubbish then???? or maybe they have motives because they hate the idea of a republican daily paper? I don't know.. go figure

I think it is of mixed quality. However it is only one year old so you can't be asking for much just yet. It is too green for me to tell you the truth however they do have good anti war stuff and it is the only daily non mainstream paper we have.

And Patricia McKenna gets to write a weekly column which is good enough for me because I think since she lost her MEP seat she has been a massive loss to Irish politics.

warts an all' I hope its readership grows anyway.

also the Merlin RAF yokes should not be involved in Salthill Air Show!

by Y Fri Jun 02, 2006 04:41

There is nothing wrong with pilots who have served there country. That is all they have done. They are required by law to serve their country due to their job.

Also in the usual disinformation of indymedia, a merlin helicopter is hardly a "killing machine". It is a medium size transport helicopter.

I hope there is a very successful Salthill airshow enjoyed by everybody who attends. If im lucky i might be able to make it myself!

by Michael Limerick Fri Jun 02, 2006 13:10

How dare you pricks accuse pilots who serve their Country English or from any other Country of having blood on their hands, how do you know what they do, they go there because they are sent and if its flying Helicopters most of them are involved in transport, I know a Pilot from the UK who is involved in carrying food to isolated regions of Iraq but you would not dare say that because it would not be good for your stupid cause which as another contributor said is totally anti American and anti British

As far as you idiots are concerned they are all painted with the one brush which is exactly like you are and your stupid narrow minded carry on and what really annoys me is that the majority of you are not Irish.

Get a life

by MichaelY - iawm Fri Jun 02, 2006 13:55

Hey Michael from Limerick,

Being (one presumes) an Irishman from Limerick, knowing a Brit pilot and calling people you don't know but disagree with 'pricks' and 'idiots' does not, unfortunately, lend any weight or credence to your arguments. It shows a state of mind, a political position, but a deep weakness in logic and sense. As to accusing [some or most ]Indymedia contributors of 'not being Irish' well, that's the cherry on top, isn't it Michael? Does that show a bit of xenophobia, or to make it slightly more comprehensible for you sunshine, a bit of racism?
When a country invades another, especially based on lies [remember Saddam's WMDs?] when it sends its professional soldiers to occupy another country, then to argue that these paid professionals are 'only doing a job' is a bit misleading. That's what the Black and Tans did here 100 years ago. Brit soldiers are still on Irish soil protecting British rights to occupy part of this island...they're only doing a job are they? And if they are, what is the nature of that job? To pint that out is not being anti-British!.
That US Marines and Brit and Australian soldiers, be they pilots, gunners, tank drivers or whatever, have blood in their hands - only a senseless person would argue against that. Over 100,00 Iraqis have been killed in their country by assorted killers and bombers. That is why the megamajority of American, British and Iraqi people are against the war!! You do know about that , don't you?
And to my last point...when the FF/PD Coalition facilitate this war through the use of....what's the name of that warport close to you?.....then listen carefully to people who say that we Irish may also have a few drops of blood on our hands too!
Hope you consider my points above and come back with some thoughtful ideas. Calling me and other people like me names won't change the fact that you're on a loser there. And it's you my good friend that should take a few quite but serious and hard moments this long weekend and consider your position.

by Michael Limerick Fri Jun 02, 2006 15:46

Consider my position thats a laugh, I would not waste my time trying to reason with the likes of you. as I stated you have a one track mind.

by MichaelY - iawm Fri Jun 02, 2006 16:39

You (re)considering your position must be indeed a laughing matter - hard to do, and everybody who knows you well would be laughing and giggling so hard, it will surely bring tears to their eyes. (Irish)Men like you have well settled opinions and views....and a multi-track mind full of images and colourful/flowery stuff that language can hardly express. Keep at it sunshine - Ireland is proud to have you as a citizen! And your Brit pilot friend of yours must be tittering with delight.

by From The North Mon Jun 05, 2006 14:37

So the coalisition forces have blood on their hands? So they go in and remove an evil muderous dictator and a minority of the population are up in arms. Where was this minority when Saddam Hussein invaded Iran, when he invaded Kuwait, when he gassed, poisoned and executed thousands of his own country men/women/children?
If it's so objectionable that men and women who have served in Iraq are flying aircraft at the airshow then we'd better be careful the next time we fly abroad - get a detailed history of the pilot because he/she may have flown in Iraq/Grenada/Somalia or any other of the world's hotspots.

I for one will be going to the show and will thoroughly enjoy it. Bring on next years.

by pen_g Sun Jun 11, 2006 14:26

This anti everything RAF is just childish. I wonder if these people even consider the good work that the RAF do all around this country. We are lucky to be able to call on RAF assistance when required. In everyday terms this means help and assistance in air-sea rescue around Irish waters. I wonder if some of the people posting here would refuse to be rescued if the pilot had been stationed in Iraq at any time.

http://users.snowcrest.net/marnells/soniatransf.htm
http://www.kinlossrescue.com/rescues.php

by SteveS Thu Jun 22, 2006 13:38

I suppose if there is one good thing about this site is that it allows contrary opinions to it's general tenor to be published. The bad thing of course is that we are treated to ignorant half baked, malformed opinions on both sides. The truth as ever is elsewhere.

So every year we have this silly carping about the Salthill Airshow from the usual suspects. This year they have a minor victory by getting the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Galway to go to a protest. Meanwhile their constituents, as in the people who voted for them, are flocking happily to the airshow. Because of course they see it for what it is, an airshow, exciting aircraft up close. A good day out and a chance to see the Red Arrows again.

I almost find it amusing that somehow a minor airshow, of the sort that goes on in many countries of a summer weekend could somehow be so controversial in the minds of certain people. In a way I think for the GAAW and their odd allies in Sinn Fein this is the closest they get to have a dig at their bete noir, the Americans and the British respectively.

Of course in most countries they have a proper air force of their own, one which can actually protect the country. They are usually the centrepiece of an airshow and people watching can feel a surge of pride at their military. But we have the Air Corps, a commendable group of people doing a job with little purpose because of course they have no aircraft capable of offensive or defensive action. That's because we are 'neutral' ( cue hollow laughter) and would have to rely on the Americans and the British to save us should the likes of Togo or Belgium decide to include us in their empire.

Therefore I see nothing wrong in enjoying the RAF and the US military displaying in our skies at our invitation and indeed using a remote airport in the south west of Ireland to refuel their aircraft. Both countries are in effect guarantors of our freedom to express opposition to their behaviour. Indeed sixty years ago their collective efforts allowed us to enjoy our 'neutrality' and freedom to oppress ourselves. Without them we have just been another source of slave labour for the greater Reich.

So I will go and enjoy the airshow like most of the rest of Galway and surrounds. Meanwhile the GAAW can enjoy their appropriately red balloons.

by Ben Thu Jun 22, 2006 22:59

So a Daily Ireland news reporter (and SWP member) goes on the internet in search of a story and comes up with six degress of Kevin Bacon from Iraq to an air show in the West. Hardly Pulitzer prize stuff, is it? And I love the earlier comment that if the helicopters were carrying bombs and guns then people would be complaining. In other words, if a different scenario was taking place, there would be a different, and much stronger, reaction. such infallible logic.

by hedgehog Fri Jun 23, 2006 02:07

As a citizen of galway, I commend the Mayor and deputy and GAAW for representing my opinion by means of their peaceful demonstration against these war machines. The US military industrial complex plays a strong role in deciding US foreign policy. Situations like the current ones in Iraq and afghanistan result in lots of sales for them, and no doubt lots of grateful contributions to politicians in key positions. They are a dangerous destabilising force in the world today

This is like a commercial for them. They like to get your kids excited about their technology through tv documentaries, magazines, video games and airshows. Then when they grow up, who knows, your kids may want to join the military and end up in places like iraq. I can see this advertising has worked wonderfully on some of the posters here.

The reality is that many of the machines flying about so gracefully at the airshow are created for one purpose and one purpose alone. to kill people.

To decontextualise, Imagine if those planes were firing on salthill, visualise the carnage and destruction, the death of people you know and their children. Then remind yourself that this kind of thing is actually happening for real. How can any sane person support such technology in our airspace.

Don't support their cynical PR

There are lots of better ways to create a few hours of family entertainment with e15,000 of taxpayers money

by De Gagged Sat Jun 24, 2006 22:06

Keep the airshow keep the funding can we have a B52 and B1 doing live bomb dropps please right on your office

by Paulos - UK Airshow Review Sat Jun 24, 2006 22:36

I don't know whether to laugh or cry at the sensationalist and utterly biased headline. If I could be bothered writing a counter argument I would but the author of this piece of journalistic bilge has got it sooooo wrong I would need the rest of the weekend to put him right.

The Merlin is a transport helicopter. It may carry the odd weapon when deployed but that would be for self defence, it's not exactly a gunship. I have had the great pleasure in being associated with Team Merlin, we designed and host their website. They are a great bunch of blokes who are all too willing to talk to airshow attendees about their craft and its role. The author of the article and all those in agreement with it are the opposite, hate filled and ignorant.

As for the comment about cleaning the blood off it first, congratulations, you win the UK Airshow Review Classic Claypole award for 2006!

by A10 Sun Jun 25, 2006 17:30

Every year Galway holds an airshow.Every year the Galway anti American &British hairies trot up the same old shite about Iraq,WMDs, transport helicopters being gunships killing Gazillions of Iraqui kiddies[mustnt be anybody alive in Iraq by now] and demand a boycott of Galway airshow.
End result the crowds ignore the anti US/UK hairies and go to the show.Hairies post some pics of themselves demonstrating,much self congratulating occurs on indymedia and things go back to normal.

Wonder would there be much outcry if the Russians were invited and a few Mig Fulcrums or Hind gunships came over,which have been used to drop chemical weapons or napalm on the Chechynes.Or would there be an embarrssing silence from the anti US/UK crowd???Or proably it would be justified that the Russians are very peaceful and the Chechyna situation is just American propaganda.
Anyway looking forward to my day in Salthill.

by A9 Sun Jun 25, 2006 17:45

Jayas A10 you are so anti protesters. Any time there is a demo, action or report that critisizes americans, Israelis, guns, armies shannon airport there you are with your opinion. Well you fucking bore the fuck out of us every fucking time with your anti protester shit. If there was a nuke explosion at Shannon Airport and the few people that were left organised to try and stop it happening again what would we see on indy? Your same shit ( i am holding my nose between my fingers now) Every year there is a nuclear explosion blah blah fucking blah..............

Ah only joking A10 you are most welcome here. After all its open publishing and your comments are important to at least one person on this plannet but you really do bore me to tears.

You really should come back when you have less time.

by Clockwork Mouse Sun Jun 25, 2006 19:05

The Red Arrows are displaying again this year at Salthill, along with the Merlin and other military aircraft from several nations. It is no secret that, like the Merlin crews, most if not all the Reds, who are all fighter pilots by profession, have served over Iraq at some time or another. They did so not because they wanted to kill Iraqis but because they are professional soldiers who have to go where their government tells them to. Talk by the protesters of the RAF crews being "war criminals" and their aircraft being soaked in the blood of innocents is sad and pathetic.

The Reds like going to Salthill because it is a beautiful venue. Also, like most Englishmen, they have a soft spot and admiration for Ireland and the Irish and view their display as a gesture of friendship between two neighbouring nations who, despite some unhappy past history, share much commonality of beliefs, values and culture and blood.

If you ban the Merlins for the spurious and offensive reasons quoted, you ban the whole RAF participation in the airshow, the Reds too. I doubt that a couple of Cessnas and a Tiger Moth will pull in the crowds to Galway.

If the likes of these bigotted and offensive protesters get their way, the RAF and USAF will pull out from Salthill for ever. What a shame that would be, but if that is what you want, then support their protest.

by Warbs Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:25

"There is an argument whether the RAF should be involved anyway by the way! especially considering this is the week that the new Ken Loach film about OUR colonial history has come out"

I agree, why do the RAF and the Brits bother to go out of there way to entertain in a country where many people would rather harp on about events that occurred years and years before they were even born!!??!!

In fact, by applying the same logic, most of the teams in the world cup shouldnt have been allowed to compete because they took part in the innocent slaughter of thousands of Nazi, err sorry, German civilians. And that was more recent then Ken Loaches subject matter aswell.

I dont agree with the war in Iraq and I am British. But the simple mindedness of some of the people who havecommented on this subject AMAZES me.

by LONDON CALLING Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:58

I THINK ITS JUST ENVY AS WE HAVE AN AIR FORCE WHILE IRELAND HAS ??? PAPER AEROPLANES!! AND A RED BALLOON!

by From The North Wed Jun 28, 2006 17:22

Was at the airshow on Sunday and what a great family day it turned out to be. Many thanks to all who organised and took part in it. Even the Deputy-Mayor took the time to address the crowd and thank them for coming.
I wonder if any of the GAAW realise that the two USAF F-15s appeared to be armed. They seemed to be carrying 2 AAMs.
As for the comment from 'London Calling' I think he/she's as ignorant as the protestors. The Irish Air Corps may not be a big airforce as well equiped as the RAF but it does play a vital role supporting various organisations:

In Support of the Army
Observation and Reconnaissance
Local Fire Support
Command and Control
Limited Tactical Mobility and Logistic Support
Casualty Evacuation

In Support of the Naval Service
Maritime Surveillance and Defence
National Security
Economic Zone Surveillance
Protection of Natural Resources

In Aid to the Civil Power
Maintaining and flying Garda Support Unit Aircraft
Observation Reconnaissance and Search Operations
Photographic Reconnaissance
Industrial Explosives Escorts
Prisoner Escorts
Cash Escorts
Protection of Airspace Operations