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Ciaran Mather, 27 Sep
A Kildare TD and former Commandant in the Armed Ranger Wing (ARW) has
commended a Newbridge man for his leadership over Irish troops in
Lebanon.
Dr Cathal Berry TD made the comments when he was asked about his views
on the situation in Lebanon by the Leinster Leader.
It follow after An Taoiseach Simon Harris said that plans are in place
for 'all eventualities and contingencies' regarding Irish troops in
Lebanon while speaking with Newstalk on Wednesday, September 25 last.
Last month, the Independent TD, who has been on peacekeeping missions
in Israel, Syria and Lebanon, claimed that the government is
'freeloading' on other states to evacuate Irish citizens from Lebanon
should tensions escalate.
Now, Dr Berry TD has said: "Very concerned about the ongoing and
deteriorating situation in Lebanon. [It is] likely to get worse too in
the short-term unfortunately.
"Thinking of our troops out there every day."
He also said: "It is re-assuring to note that Newbridge man Lieutenant
Colonel Tom Fox is in charge of our Battalion out there; a highly
capable and experienced commander.
"No better man to take great care of our personnel while still getting
the job done."
Dr Berry TD also paid tribute to late Newbridge soldier Robert Deegan,
who had also served with the ARW: "[I am] very sorry to learn that
Robert was killled in action in Ukraine last week fighting for what he
believed in.
"My thoughts are with his well known and highly respected family in
Kildare."
"The priority now must be to try and retrieve his body and return it
safely home if possible; I will assist in any way I can in that
regard," he concluded.