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EARLIER TODAY, TDS Mick Wallace and Clare Daly were arrested at Shannon Airport as they tried to board and inspect a US military aircraft.
The pair were protesting against the use of Shannon by US military personnel.
The pair were close to a Hercules C130 transport aircraft when they were spotted by Irish Defence Forces staff who were guarding the plane.
These pictures were captured by Edward Hogan of Shannonwatch who was at the scene.
Wallace and Daly were on the tarmac to highlight what they feel is lax inspection of US military movements through the County Clare airport, according to Shannonwatch.
Clare Daly said, “The idea that we can accept US assurances that there are no weapons on board these military aircraft is ridiculous.
We know that many of them are effectively weapons systems. A US Hercules C-130 was photographed at Shannon with a 30mm cannon out the side last September.
“These planes are designed for war, not peace.”
Wallace has called on the Irish government to search planes if they wish to stop at the airport, claiming that it is being used as a US military airbase.
It is nonsense to suggest that none of them are involved in military operations or that there are no weapons on board these planes, which is what the government says.
“But because the authorities won’t search the planes to find out if that is the case, people like us have to do it.”
They were held by airport security until gardaí arrived and were taken to Shannon Garda Station, were they were held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
They have since been released and a file is to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Shannonwatch welcomed the attempts by the pair, saying “At a time when the airport may be helping to supply the weapons used by Israel to kill and maim civilians in Gaza, it is vitally important that we have proper oversight of what is on the military planes at the airport.
Despite repeated requests, the authorities refuse to search the planes to ensure they are not in breach of international law.
The two TDs continued their protest on Twitter and on the airwaves following their release from garda custody.
Daly said she is “resolute” in her attempts to rid Ireland of US military operations.
“I believe it’s our function to represent human rights and justice in every opportunity we can. The government is slavishly adhering to an American agenda.”
Wallace tweeted: ”It’s time the Irish people said no to Shannon being used as a US Military Airbase…”
Wallace added:
If they aren’t carrying weapons or arms then there is no reason why we shouldn’t be allowed on these aircraft.
“All we wanted to do was confirm whether we are being told the truth or not.”
Originally published 7:30pm
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