TDs from both sides of the Dáil express support and anger over the government decision to allow US aircraft to refuel at Shannon Airport on route to the Gulf.
Brendan Daly, Fianna Fáil TD and Madeline Taylor Quinn, Fine Gael TD speak in support of the decision. Madeline Taylor says,
If we here can facilitate, then we are obligated under the United Nation's decisions to do so.
They also endorse the decision saying that the people of Clare understand the importance of Shannon strategically.
Opposition to the decision comes from Labour and the Green Party. Jim Kemmy, Labour TD expresses his anger at the decision of the cabinet to allow planes to land at Shannon and says the decision impinges on our constitution. Roger Garland, TD clearly outlines the Green Party stance on the issue stating
We are opposing the use of Shannon in this war, except for humanitarian purposes.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 18 January 1991. The reporter is Cathy Halloran.
