asked the Taoiseach if he will make representations to the Government of Northern Ireland requesting that Government to dissociate themselves from the handbill recently issued by the St. George's Ward Unionist Association on behalf of the official Unionist candidates Armstrong, Armstrong and Henry, and from the policy of religious discrimination advocated therein.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Religious Discrimination in Six Counties: Unionist Association Handbill.
2.
The handbill to which the Question refers was a deplorable example of religious bigotry from which, I am sure, all responsible people in the Six Counties would wish to dissociate themselves.
According to Press reports, the matter has already been raised in Stormont and the Government of Northern Ireland were given the opportunity of dissociating themselves from the handbill.
I do not think that representations, as suggested by the Deputy, would do any good.
Mr. Ryan
Are we to understand that the Taoiseach dissociates himself from the letter appearing in the Irish Times today by Deputy Booth?
That is an entirely different matter.
Mr. Ryan
No, it is not.
It is an entirely different matter.
Mr. Ryan
It is outrageous bigotry in the worst taste.
Does the Taoiseach not think he should protest in view of the scandalous nature of this handbill, as he himself describes it? Would he not feel constrained to protest?
I do not think it would do any good.
I think it is a good thing that the Taoiseach made the statement he has in the answer.
Mr. Ryan
If the Taoiseach cannot control Deputy Booth, he cannot control anybody else.