Thatcher’s use of Irish Free State
FitzGerald asked why Thatcher had reportedly used the term “Irish Free State”; the Taoiseach said he was making urgent inquiries and hoped it had been an inadvertent reference.
I fear we are in a cul de sac. The procedure of the House leaves us in difficulty in pursuing matters of this kind. Could I ask the Taoiseach whether he can throw any light on the extraordinary use by the British Prime Minister of a term which ceased to have any validity over 20 years before she went into politics, the Irish Free State, which is alleged in several newspapers to have been used by her with great deliberation? Can he throw any light on why this term should have been resurrected by her at this time?
Comment on this
Like the Deputy I was a bit mystified about that report. I am making urgent inquiries into it. I know the Deputy will agree with me when I say I hope it was an inadvertent reference.