US role in Northern Ireland
De Rossa asks whether the Taoiseach will discuss the New Ireland Forum and what role the US might play. The Taoiseach says he will brief the President on Ireland’s position and seek to maintain the constructive interest shown by US leaders and Congress.
I am sure the Taoiseach has the right to take the three questions together but they deal with three separate issues. Could the Taoiseach indicate if, in relation to the discussions concerning Northern Ireland, he proposes to discuss the expected outcome of the New Ireland Forum and if he thinks it wise that the US should be involved in any way with the Northern Ireland situation?
Comment on this
It would be difficult and also improper for me to endeavour to anticipate the results of the New Ireland Forum in such discussions but, as I said, I will be discussing Northern Ireland with the President and informing him on the situation as we see it and of the Government's policy and our hopes for the future.
Comment on this
What role does the Taoiseach see the US having in relation to Northern Ireland? Is it in relation to whatever outcome results from the Forum or does he see the US having some other relationship with us here?
Comment on this
All one can say about that is that the US is a friendly country, the leaders and members of Congress of which have shown an interest and concern for the problem of Northern Ireland over the years, and successive Irish Governments have sought to keep the President and Congress informed and to ensure their continued constructive interest in this problem. I will be pursuing that same path.