Grren Leaders Speak with "Forked Tongues" in Galway

galway | anti-war / imperialism | news report

Saturday June 28, 2008 12:55

by Galway Alliance Against War Spokesperson - GAAW

The Green Party leadership appeared to be speaking with “forked tongues”, a spokesperson for the Galway Alliance Against War claimed last night, after both Minister Gormley and Senator Dan Boyle gave conflicting answers as to whether suspect CIA planes had been searched by the Irish authorities at Shannon.

Food for Thought: Sen Boyle & GAAW members meet before Green Fundraising Dinner

Last night, GAAW set up a recruitment stall for its People’s Inspection Teams (PITs) outside the Galway Radisson hotel, where a Green Party fundraising dinner was being held. While a large number of Greens attending signed up for the PITs, Minister Gormley and Sen. Boyle declined to volunteer their services.

However, in separate discussions with the two Green leaders, GAAW members were given conflicting information as to what is happening at Shannon airport to planes suspected of being involved in “extraordinary rendition”. Minister Gormley told GAAW members, whom he met inside the hotel, that last year he had contacted the Dept of Foreign Affairs concerning a suspect US plane that had landed at the airport. Dermot Ahern, then Minister for Foreign Affairs later informed him that the plane had been inspected and it was found to be carrying 4 American businessmen who were on a golfing holiday. However, outside Sen. Boyle was admitting to assembled GAAW members, including 2 local councillors, Deputy Mayor Colette Connolly and independent councillor Catherine Connolly, that no planes had ever been searched.

A GAAW spokesperson queried the veracity of Minister Gormley’s claim: “It would appear the Green leadership is speaking with “forked tongues” on this issue. It is a sad reflection on a party that only 12 months ago was calling for what is desperately needed, rigorous and meaningful inspections of suspect aircraft.”

Galway's Dep Mayor Colette, Dette McLoughlin & Cllr Catherine Connolly quiz Sen Boyle