Meeting with the British Prime Minister
Dukes and Quinn sought a fuller Taoiseach–Thatcher meeting to discuss Anglo-Irish concerns; the Taoiseach said they would meet in Strasbourg and that such meetings were useful. Mac Giolla urged him to raise Belfast’s walls, while intervening Deputies questioned the informal nature of their contacts.
I think the Taoiseach would probably agree with me that if events in Eastern Europe show anything, they show that a particular brand of Stalinism is now totally outmoded over there. I think the day is going to come when it will be totally outmoded over here. In the light of what the Taoiseach has been saying about Anglo-Irish relations and a very brief conversation with Mrs. Thatcher, would he not agree that the time is now ripe for the Taoiseach and Mrs. Thatcher to have a meeting, no matter how informal, in order that a number of rather vexatious impressions, on at least one side, and perhaps on two, could be got out of the way so that Anglo-Irish relations could get back on some basis of frankness and normality?
Comment on this
I would have to reject any suggestion that Anglo-Irish relations are not on a basis of frankness and normality. I would point out to the Deputy that the British Prime Minister and I will have a meeting in Strasbourg in a week or so.
Comment on this
I do not think she is the sort of lady that anybody would like to put on their long finger.
Comment on this
I would like to ask the Taoiseach if, in view of the elimination of the Berlin Wall, he would discuss with the British Prime Minister the possibility of eliminating the 13, 25 foot walls which exist in the city of Belfast? In relation to the last question I would say to Deputy Dukes that it is a matter which should be taken up with the British Prime Minister at this stage.
Comment on this
Having regard to the Taoiseach's replies to a number of supplementaries and his indication of the unsatisfactory nature of brief encounters between different heads of Government at these European meetings, does he have any plans to have a full and formal meeting with the British Prime Minister so that a range of issues can be discussed in the fullness of time?
Comment on this
As I said in reply to Deputy Dukes, there will be a meeting between myself and the British Prime Minister in Strasbourg. These meetings are very useful and afford us an opportunity to deal with matters of mutual interest and concern. There is no time limit set for these meetings. So far I have always found them adequate for dealing with current issues as they arise.