The
President of the Workers’ Party, Michael Finnegan, has called for the immediate
unconditional release of 79 year old Margaretta D’arcy from Limerick Prison
where she is being held for her refusal to give an undertaking to desist from
protesting at Shannon Airport in opposition to US military flights.
Mr.
Finnegan said that the bravery of Ms. D’arcy was in stark contrast with the
cowardice of the government on the issue.
He said that in particular Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore should
“hold his head in shame” that he had reneged on a promise to end the use of
Shannon airport for such flights.
“It
is not Margaretta D’arcy who is on trial here, it is the Irish state”, said Mr.
Finnegan. “Margaretta is being treated
like a common criminal for bravely taking a stand over many years to highlight
Ireland’s refusal to comply with international law in relation to rendition
flights and the government’s utter disregard for its self-stated policy of
neutrality”.
The
Workers Party President called for the immediate release of Ms. D’arcy without
preconditions. He said that instead of
being jailed Ms. D’arcy and others who continue to highlight the situation at
Shannon should be hailed and honoured for their bravery and tenacity
.
Issued 23rd January 2014
