asked the Taoiseach if he would agree that the British administration in Northern Ireland has failed to resolve the problem of that part of Ireland; if he will agree that the time has now come when we should encourage the British Government to declare a declaration of intent to withdraw from that part of our country; if, he will further agree that as an initial step, an agreed administration in the Six Counties of Northern Ireland should be encouraged with a view to eventual federalisation of our country with the objective of securing a united Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Policy on Northern Ireland.
7.
I outlined Government policy on Northern Ireland in my statement to the House on 23 November last.
Would the Taoiseach agree with the recent statement reported to have been made by His Eminence, Cardinal Ó Fiaich, calling on the British to declare their intention to withdraw from Northern Ireland, even in the long term?
As I have already said in my reply, I dealt at some length with that situation when I outlined Government policy on Northern Ireland in my statement on 23 November last. I think the Deputy will be well aware that the policy of this party is for the eventual unity of all Ireland and that, of course, would ultimately involve the withdrawal of the British presence from Northern Ireland.
Would the Taoiseach agree that while every Nationalist would be in favour of British disengagement as quickly as possible from Northern Ireland, that disengagement should take place as part of an overall political solution which would give the necessary personal security, civil rights and guarantees as to their future livelihood to all sections of the community? Furthermore, would the Taoiseach tell those who are lucky enough to live in the comparative safety of this part of the island that, irrespective of any other considerations, the lives and safety of those living in isolated areas of the North should be the priority consideration?
I could not disagree with anything the Deputy has said. I think he will recall that those kinds of consideration were very well expressed in the report of the New Ireland Forum which he and I and other Members of this House had a hand in bringing forward.
I am glad the Taoiseach agrees with me.
Would the Taoiseach express an opinion on the effect such a statement might have on the situation in Northern Ireland? It is quite commonly believed by many on all sides in Northern Ireland, and indeed here that such a statement by Britain could have incalcuable repercussions in Northern Ireland in regard to life and limb, that it would make it a virtual open season for the armed gangs operating there. Any such statement at this time could have nothing but devastating results for the people of Northern Ireland.
It is not for me to dictate to other people what sort of statements they should make, except to say, as I have often said in the House, that when it comes to the affairs of Northern Ireland, all of us should be very careful and sensitive about any statements we might make.