Fine Gael and the Green Party have joined forces in calling on the Government to recognise the Dail's "right" to determine Ireland's policy on the proposed war against Iraq.
Green Party chief whip, Mr Dan Boyle TD said neither the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, nor the Government, should take any unilateral action as "issues of war and peace belong in the Dáil for decision."
Fine Gael's spokesman on foreign affairs, Mr Gay Mitchell, said if necessary the Dáil should be reconvened to decide Ireland's policy on Iraq.
"This is a matter in which the Dáil has a Constitutional role. It is a grave matter and should not be treated to the usual Government double speak and gibbering."
Mr Mitchell asked whether the conduct of foreign policy had been "put on automatic", given Mr Cowen, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste were out of the country "at a time of potential war and as US troops pass through Shannon".
In relation to the proposed war, he said Fine Gael would continue to hold that "unilateral action against Iraq by any State is not acceptable". However, he said, "We must stand with civilized, democratic States and against demagogues and dictators. This means also striving to remove the causes of terrorism and injustices that terrorism feeds off."
Mr Boyle, who visited the anti-war peace camp at Shannon Airport yesterday to pledge his party's support for the campaigners, urged the Government to "come clean" on the use of the facility by US military aircraft.
"It is not good enough for the Government to unilaterally and secretively pledge support to any war effort. It's time accountability on these issues of war and peace came back to the Dáil, where they constitutionally belong, and to the Irish people, who are strongly opposed to any military attack on Iraq," said Mr Boyle.
