91-Year-Old Peace Activist Walks Across Ireland to Protest US Military Stopovers
Lelia Doolan, a 91-year-old peace activist and film producer, completed a 220km trek across Ireland to protest the use of Shannon Airport by US military flights. Arriving at the gates of Leinster House in Dublin, she was greeted by supporters and politicians demanding the government uphold Irish neutrality. Doolan argues that allowing US military personnel and aircraft to transit through the civilian airport violates national sovereignty and neutrality, criticizing the lack of inspections for weapons or supplies. The two-week journey, which began on March 31, served as a petition to bar these flights and honored her late fellow campaigner Margaretta D’Arcy. This protest occurs amidst heightened tensions due to the conflict in the Middle East, which has galvanized renewed activism against US military presence in Europe. Recent incidents, including damage to a US aircraft at Shannon and Italy's denial of airbase access, highlight growing continental controversy. Doolan’s campaign emphasizes civil disobedience and public engagement, urging citizens to act against policies they deem unjust. Her arrival sparked political debate, with Labour leader Ivana Bacik supporting her cause, while the government maintains that no combat operations are facilitated through Shannon.
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91-Year-Old Peace Activist Walks Across Ireland to Protest US Military Stopovers
Lelia Doolan, a 91-year-old peace activist and film producer, completed a 220km trek across Ireland to protest the use of Shannon Airport by US military flights. Arriving at the gates of Leinster House in Dublin, she was greeted by supporters and politicians demanding the government uphold Irish neutrality. Doolan argues that allowing US military personnel and aircraft to transit through the civilian airport violates national sovereignty and neutrality, criticizing the lack of inspections for weapons or supplies. The two-week journey, which began on March 31, served as a petition to bar these flights and honored her late fellow campaigner Margaretta D’Arcy. This protest occurs amidst heightened tensions due to the conflict in the Middle East, which has galvanized renewed activism against US military presence in Europe. Recent incidents, including damage to a US aircraft at Shannon and Italy's denial of airbase access, highlight growing continental controversy. Doolan’s campaign emphasizes civil disobedience and public engagement, urging citizens to act against policies they deem unjust. Her arrival sparked political debate, with Labour leader Ivana Bacik supporting her cause, while the government maintains that no combat operations are facilitated through Shannon.
The Guardian