An air display by the Red Arrows for the Volvo Ocean Race is not a glorification of war or a championing of the British Army, it is entrainment and a spectacle for Galwegians to enjoy.
This is the view of Fianna Fáil councillor Michael J Crowe. He has hit out at the Galway Alliance Against War’s recent statement that it would “rock the boat” if the proposed invitation to the Red Arrows was not withdrawn.
This is the latest instalment of the ongoing war of words between Cllr Crowe and the GAAW.
“Once again their leader Niall Farrell has said the group oppose the presence of warplanes over ‘our skies’,” said Cllr Crowe. “Let me inform Mr Farrell that they are the skies for the whole of Galway and not just for his group.”
Cllr Crowe has written to Let’s Do It Galway, stating that if it has issued an invitation to the Red Arrows “under no circumstances should they consider withdrawing it as this would do further damage to Galway”.
The Bohermore based councillor said the Red Arrows display in Galway will be similar to displays they have done at other stop overs of the race in other countries.
“It’s some added entertainment for the visitors to Galway and Salthill. It is nothing else,” he said. “Not satisfied with the Salthill Air Show gone, not satisfied with trying to deface the statue of Liam Mellows, they now wish to do damage to the Volvo Ocean Race Event. Enough is enough.”
