I wish to refer to a supplementary question put on last Wednesday in the House by Deputy McQuillan. As reported in column 163 of the Official Report of Wednesday, 17th May last, Deputy McQuillan asked:—
"Is the Minister aware that Deputy Childers described this man as a great employer who used his land very productively and that Deputy Kennedy described him as a Cromwellian? In view of the danger of a serious split in the Fianna Fáil Party, will he take steps to have the matter remedied?"
I want to state that I never described Colonel Bellingham of County Westmeath, as a Cromwellian. I categorically deny ever having made such a statement and I avail of this first opportunity to refute it.