asked the Taoiseach whether his attention has been directed to statements made by the Minister for Finance at a public meeting in Manor Street, Dublin, in reference to Mr. Eisenhower, President Elect of the United States of America; and, if so, whether he has any statement to make in this regard, and whether these statements correctly represent the views of the Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minister's Statement
I have seen a newspaper report attributing to the Minister for Finance a statement on a matter arising out of a speech by Mr. Eisenhower. The statement attributed to the Minister was merely a comment expressing a personal opinion, and the question whether or not it represents the views of the Government does not arise.
Does the Tánaiste think that this was a suitable opinion to express, that it was suitable to the people of this country that the President Elect of the United States should be held up as a war-monger and that, in that way, the good relations that exist between us and our friends in the United States should be strained?
That is a complete misrepresentation.
It is not.
In view of recent indiscreet speeches by the Minister for Finance, would the Tánaiste undertake to censor the Minister's different pronouncements——
That is a separate question.
——so that he will not do, as he intended to do on Saturday night, sabotage Civil Service arbitration?