Vol. 425 No. 7
54 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has expressed his displeasure to the British Government at the attitude of Minister Michael Mates of the Northern Ireland Office towards the happenings in Derry on Bloody Sunday, 1972.
I am satisfied that the British Government are aware of widespread concern at comments made by Mr. Mates some time ago, before he assumed ministerial office, which were broadcast on RTE's "Prime Time" TV programme of 28 January. The British Government are also fully aware of the view of successive Irish Government that those killed on Bloody Sunday were engaged in peaceful protest and were not involved in violence. I therefore welcome the recent explicit recognition by the British Prime Minister that the victims of Bloody Sunday should be regarded as innocent of any allegation that they were shot whilst handling firearms or explosives. Mr. Major's statement clearly represents the authoritative position of the British Government on this matter.
In the context of Northern Ireland the need for sensitivity in dealing with difficult and often emotive issues is obvious. There is therefore a particular responsibility on all those in public life to judge carefully the impact of their words so as to avoid exacerbating an already difficult situation.
