A Dublin shop says an increase in sales of military equipment is driven by a belief that a war in Iraq is inevitable.
There has been an increase in demand for gas masks and military suits following recent United States threats to invade Iraq. For almost twenty years, the Army Bargains shop on Little Mary Street in Dublin has been stocking surplus military equipment alongside camping and outdoor gear. Mostly purchased for fancy dress parties as theatre props, the shop has noticed a marked interest in gas masks. In recent weeks, sales have soared, from three to four per week to three to four per hour.
Manager David Gannon explains who is buying them, and why,
A very broad spectrum. You would have housewives coming in. One lady came in and bought five this morning and five suits, to kit out her family, just to have them there, just in case.
Health boards have also been receiving queries about iodine tablets. David Gannon feels that people are preparing themselves for the worst,
I do feel people expect a war to happen...
As discussions continue over how to deal with Iraq, most of these consumers will be hoping they won’t have to put their purchases into use.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 18 February 2003. The reporter is Mary Calpin.
