The former Taoiseach and leader of the Fine Gael Party, Mr John Bruton today said the Government had a clear obligation to withdraw transit facilities for US troops at Shannon Airport immediately if the Americans started a war against Iraq without a second United Nations resolution.
He also called on Mr Ahern to make it clear to the US that Ireland would stand up for the rule of international law.
Last year Shannon earned euro 9 million in landing fees, refuelling and shopping from US charter airlines carrying troops to the Gulf.
World Airlines, North American Airlines and Miami Airlines have all quit Shannon in recent times following an attack upon a US Navy aircraft, which allegedly caused $500,000 worth of damage.