The President of the European Parliament, Mr Pat Cox, has warned Ireland may have to review its policy on the use of Shannon as a stop over for US troops if war breaks out in Iraq.
The warning came at an informal press briefing with local Irish journalists in Strasbourg ahead of today'sEU parliament discussion on the Iraqi crisis.
"In the event that there was a war that was not mandated by a UN resolution. To me it would be perfectly valid as a state to review the policy," said Mr Cox.
He added Ireland has the right to review the consequences of a US led military strike without UN support.
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"Ireland need not feel bound by multi-lateral commitments because the US refused to be bound by the same process," said Mr Cox.
The president said the stop-over for US military personnel at Shannon is a longstanding arrangement.
In that context, he added, the use of Shannon was "a valid public policy decision" because of the threat of Iraq under the UN's resolution 1441.
Paul Anderson adds:the Green Party today expressed concern about the possibility of Shannon Airport being used by US forces in the absence of a second UN resolution.
Party Chairman and foreign affairs spokesperson, Mr John Gormley, said the Taoiseach's replies to questions in the Dáil this morning were part of a "softening up" exercise to prepare people for this eventuality.
"This morning in the House the Taoiseach indicated that France and Germany, who oppose a second resolution, would allow landing and overflights in their countries.
"The implication was very clear. If they could do so why shouldn't Ireland?" Mr Gormley said.
He warned the Taoiseach that he "will experience the greatest backlash of his political career", if he allows the US to use Shannon in the event of an attack without UN ratification.