Survey shows opposition to US military aircraft using Shannon airport

Airline Industry Information, Feb 17, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The Irish are reportedly opposed to the US military using Shannon airport as a stopover for troops flying to the Gulf.

According to a poll published on Saturday (15 February), Irish voters oppose the US military using the airport. The US has used the airport as a transatlantic refuelling point for decades, however the increased activity ahead of a possible war with Iraq has drawn protests in recent weeks.

Of the 1,000 people questioned by the MRBI/Irish Times, 54% disapproved of the government's policy of allowing US military aircraft to land at Shannon. Of the remaining 46%, 36% approved while 10% expressed no opinion.

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