“No better man to take great care of our personnel”: Kildare TD commends Newbridge soldier for leadership in war-torn Lebanon

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.