andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach what was the sinister influence to which he referred in his statement condemning recent Border activities; and whether there is any reliable police information to suggest that these activities are being helped or fostered by foreign nationals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Activities.
1.
In relation to the first part of the Question what I said was:
"No sane person could think that such murderous activities serve any national purpose.
"Indeed, it is becoming increasingly impossible to believe that there is not some sinister influence which directs these outbreaks of violence, in their manner and in their timing, so as to do maximum damage to the nation's interest."
I do not wish to add to, or subtract from, this.
In answer to the second part of the Question, the Gardaí do not have information as to the extent that these activities are being helped by foreign nationals.
May we take it, so, that the Taoiseach was not in earnest when he tried to suggest to the public——
The Taoiseach was very much in earnest.
——that there was some outside influence?
I have repeated what I said.
Would it be correct that the sinister influence the Taoiseach had in mind was the influence exercised by the kept newspaper of his Party which has published over the years false versions of Irish history which would encourage others to emulate the feats of the present leader of the Government?
Is the Taoiseach aware of that other sinister influence, the Orange Order, that discriminates against the appointment of Catholics and discriminates against promotion in all the services, hospitals included, as stated by a Bishop only a few days ago in the papers? I should like to mention that sinister influence anyhow.