The Government must reject any demands by US authorities that sweeping powers be given to its secret service during President Bush's Irish visit in June, the Labour Party said today.
"Any political leader coming to this country has the right to expect that all appropriate action is taken to ensure his or her security. However, responsibility for this must remain with security forces of this state," said the party's spokesman on justice Mr Joe Costello.
A report today suggests the US secret service will issue demands including the granting of diplomatic immunity to armed agents and snipers in the event of an accidental shooting of a protester.
Mr Bush will be visiting Ireland on June 25th and 26th for the EU-US summit. The event takes place in Ireland as part of the programme of events during the presidency of the European Union.
The report in the Sunday Tribunesays US authorities will also seek permission to use US airforce planes and Black Hawk helicopters.
Mr Costello added: "No self-respecting democracy could tolerate handing over responsibility for law enforcement and policing to the security services of another state, yet this is what the US authorities appear to be seeking.
"Those accompanying the US President must respect and act in accordance with Irish law. The US government must be told in no uncertain terms that demands will not be met."
Mr Bush's visit is expected to spark largescale protests. More than 100,000 people took to the streets of Dublin last year in opposition to the US-led war in Iraq.
Speaking at the Green Party annual convention in Galway yesterday, party leader Mr Trevor Sargent said: "I can tell you we ill march again this summer when George Bush comes to town on his re-election campaign and we will unite with the millions of good American people who strongly disapprove of his policies and who do not want our airports used as a launching pad for his illegal war crimes."
Tomorrow the alliance Irish Anti War Movement, NGO peace alliance and the Peace and Neutrality Alliance will outline their plans for anti-Bush protests.
