asked the Taoiseach if he and other members of the Government have received an invitation to attend a garden party to celebrate the coronation of the new British Queen; and if, in view of the claim of sovereignty over a portion of Ireland made by the British Crown, he and other members of the Government propose to attend this celebration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Invitations to Coronation Garden Party.
Invitations to a garden party at the British Embassy in celebration of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II were received by me and the other members of the Government. In view of the fact that the Royal Style and Title was unnecessarily—and deliberately— linked up by the British Government with the Partition of our country and with the British claim to sovereignty over part of our national territory, we were unable to accept these invitations.
Hear, hear!
In view of that decision by the Government would the Minister now reconsider the position of the Irish Ambassador in London and direct him not to attend the coronation ceremonies to be held in London?
There is no need to reconsider that decision. Our position in the matter has been made quite clear by the full explanation of the Minister for External Affairs.
In view of the Taoiseach's statement with regard to this garden party, would he not agree that the two different attitudes show inconsistency?
No, I would not agree.