Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Military action is never proportionate. UN Security Council Resolution 1973 called for a no-fly zone. However, Sarkozy and Cameron, who wanted to boost their poll ratings, decided to bomb Libya. The idea that this would save innocent lives was very quickly turned on its head and regime change became the objective. Those involved wanted rid of Gadaffi and they were not interested in protecting civilians. As a result of the bombing campaign, 30,000 people were killed. NATO took sides in a civil war and this proved to be a total disaster. What has been said here is nonsense. In 2011, we argued with the Government that bombing Libya was madness. However, it replied that there was a need to get rid of Gadaffi. Libya has been destroyed and the Government bears some responsibility in that regard. In reply to an earlier question, the Minister referred to humanitarian aid and humanitarian concerns. If we have such concerns, why do we allow Shannon to continue to be used as a US military air base through which armaments used to kill hundreds and thousands of people are being brought? What is the point in providing humanitarian aid after we have facilitated the murder of innocent civilians?

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