BREAKING NEWS

Soldiers are 'trading in illegal arms'

Army probing claim that officers bought weapons on black market

By Tom Prendeville
Sunday June 13 2010


A Defence Forces investigation is under way into claims that serving officers were involved in buying illegal weapons in another country.

It is understood that the inquiry into the allegations is being carried out by military police investigators and concerns a small number of serving army officers.
The probe has been going on for several weeks, but the Sunday Independent has learned that so far it has not stood up the claims.
News of the investigation only came to light in the Dail last Wednesday.
A brief written reply by Defence Minister Tony Killeen confirmed the move but did not give any details.

He had been asked by Sinn Fein's Martin Ferris for his views on reports that serving officers in the Defence Forces have been implicated in buying illegal arms, and if he would make a statement on the matter.

Mr Killeen replied: "I am advised by the military authorities that they are conducting an investigation into the matters referred to by the deputy.
"In these circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter until this investigation has been concluded."

Yesterday, Mr Killeen declined to elaborate on his statement , saying it still stood.
 The Dail was not told the nature of the allegations. However, it is understood that they centre on claims by Clare businessman Gerry Walshe, who is a constituent of Mr Killeen, that Irish Army officers were involved in purchasing arms on the black market in South Africa for a group operating in the Seychelles.

The businessman, who is an electrical contractor with a background in security, claims he came upon the evidence from an Irish-based security contractor. The claims come amid growing Irish involvement in the Seychelles.


Former Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald, who has been a consultant to the Seychelles on three occasions, recently recounted how the country had turned to Ireland for assistance. He said public servants were being trained by the Institute of Public Administration, and former Irish Navy and Army officers were advising the country on dealing with Somali pirates.

Mr Walshe, who has set up anti-corruption website Spirit of Truth, said he had written to Mr Killeen to look into his accusations, as well as Justice Minister Dermot Ahern and the gardai.

"There is no evidence of a real inquiry," said Mr Walshe, who plans to have the issue raised in the Seanad and said that he had also seen evidence of bank payments and weapons manifests.

Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins also wrote to Mr Killeen about the claims, saying he was concerned that Irish Army personnel and equipment had been used in private security operations abroad.



Tom Prendeville
Sunday Independent
THANK-YOU JAMES MICHEL FOR DRAGGING OUR COUNTRY'S NAME INTO DISREPUTE. YOU ARE BEING JUDGED BY YOUR ACTIONS...
NOW WE HAVE A CLEARER PICTURE OF DR. FITZGERALD'S PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT IN PROPPING UP MICHEL'S REGIME AND PERSONAL ENDORSEMENT OF HIS BOOK OF SPEECHES. THE IRISH LEECHES ARE SERVING THEIR PURPOSE AND ARE FLEECING MICHEL AND HIS BUNCH OF PUNCH DRUNK IRISH ADMIRERS!!!