[Article] Brennan to reject US air marshal bid

Victor

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2091-993366,00.html

The Sunday Times - Ireland
February 08, 2004
Brennan to reject US air marshal bid
Stephen O’Brien and Richard Oakley

IRELAND’s transport minister is to reject an American request for armed air marshals on flights to the US.

Seamus Brennan has said he does not intend establishing a trained unit of Irish air marshals and will not agree to them being put on flights at the behest of American officials. Instead the Irish government will cancel flights that are deemed a risk.

Brennan said this situation would only change if a high number of flights from Ireland were being cancelled and this had an impact on schedules. The garda’s specialist emergency response unit (ERU) could then be called upon to provide personnel with the necessary skills and weapons.

“If there are concerns expressed about a particular flight, we will cancel it,” said Brennan. “If the number of security alerts reaches a level that would disrupt services, we will reconsider.”

The minister pointed out that no security concerns have been raised by American authorities so far about specific flights from Ireland. America appeared to be allowing EU countries to deal with the matter on a case-by-case basis.

Tom Ridge, the American secretary for homeland security, said last December that selected international flights entering American airspace would have to carry an armed plainclothes sky marshal. The request was opposed by a number of EU countries and raised concerns among pilots. It is understood that America has since softened its position.

Four European countries — Denmark, Finland, Portugal and Sweden — vowed not to bow to the American demands. They said they would ground a plane that faced a specific threat rather than let it take off with armed guards on board. France and Britain said they were prepared to accept marshals in some cases.

Department of Transport officials studied the issue and met with other EU countries before reaching a final decision on the Irish position. It is understood senior gardai had told the department that ERU members would be available to work as marshals if needed.

Asa Hutchinson, the American undersecretary for homeland security, who met with EU air transport officials last month, has promised that countries that do not co-operate with air marshals will not risk losing their landing rights. But he said America could refuse permission to a plane to enter its airspace if a request to have air marshals on board was not met.

Michael O’Leary, the Ryanair boss, was among those in the Irish aviation industry who have argued against the need for air marshals.

“I can’t think of anything that would reduce security more than having a guy on board with a gun,” said O’Leary.

The Ryanair chief executive believes passengers will be more willing to tackle hijackers since September 11.

John R

If they had any balls the European authorities would threaten to refuse landing to any planes with guns on board. Why the hell should the rest of us have to subscribe to America's stupid gun obsession.

BuffyBot

I'm absolutely delighted...and a bit gobsmakced that Seamus had the balls to say no the the US

MrPudding

Excellent. Armed air marshals have to be one of the most stupid ideas. Hopefully Seamus will hold fast and get support from other politicians both here and in Europe.

Is there a chance there will be increased alerts for planes with no armed guards? I know if I was the guy trying to get armed guards on every flight that is what I would do.

MrP