Kildare TD doubles down on recent criticism of Irish government

Dr Cathal Berry TD claimed that the government is ‘freeloading’ on other states to evacuate Irish citizens from Lebanon should tensions escalate

An Independent Kildare TD has doubled down on his recent criticism of the Irish government, the Leinster Leader can reveal.

On Sunday, August 25 last, the Irish Examiner published an article featuring Dr Cathal Berry TD, in which he criticised the Government for 'freeloading' on other states to evacuate Irish citizens and troops from Lebanon should a full-scale war break out in the region.

Dr Berry TD, who previously served as a Commandant in the Armed Ranger Wing and went on peacekeeping missions in Israel, Syria and Lebanon, voiced his scepticism over statements from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Defence regarding what they intend to do in the event of major conflict breaking out in the Middle East.

He told the Examiner: "In terms of international evacuation operations, Ireland is like the guy who goes for a night out with his friends, takes whatever he can get for free, and never buys a round."

Dr Berry TD, who has previously been vocal in his thoughts on the current Palestine-Israel conflict, also said that should the current tensions in the Middle-East escalate, then the Irish government would 'likely scramble for a solution at short notice and be utterly dependent on the kindness of our neighbours to evacuate our people.'

When asked by the Leinster Leader about his views, Dr Berry TD reiterated his sentiments, in which he told the Leader that he '[is] just stating the obvious.'