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Excerpt from Briefing given by the Tánaiste to Media, Wednesday 10 July 1996Enright:
I have to ask you about Northern Ireland and the current situationthere obviously is a matter that preoccupies peoples minds during trouble. What'syour view of the current situation and just how dangerous is it?
Tánaiste:
The current situation is very serious. I think we have all seen over thelast number of days the inherent risks in what is happening in Northern Ireland. Myrequest would be the same as has been made by the British Government and indeed by the Chief of Police in Northern Ireland - a call for restraint, a call for I think recognition that if people proceed down this line certainly the future is very bleak. Wewere a very short time ago quite optimistic about the opening of discussions andnegotiations. We have seen a possible return to Northern Ireland at its worst in the lastnumber of days. Coming up to 12th July it would be I think very important thatleadership is shown, that restraint is shown and that we avoid plunging back into theabyss.
Enright:
Are you satisfied that Unionist leaders have done everything theycan to calm the situation?
Tánaiste:
I think it beholds leadership on all sides to ensure that nothing is saidor that nothing is done that creates any further difficulties. The police and the securityforces in Northern Ireland are working under extreme difficulties, have been for thelast number of days and nights, and I think it beholds leadership now to ensure thatthe situation is not compounded or exasperated and restraint should be called.
Enright:
Do you regret that the Government here have taken such a strongview on the routing of marches, do you think perhaps it was a mistake to reroutethis march?
Tánaiste:
No. I have to say to you that the view that we have taken and the viewthat is now supported by the British Government is that you have to have - the test isreasonableness. We respect the right of people to engage in marches. They also haveto respect the right of people who do not wish marches going through their areas andthe balance was the British Government advised by the security forces set out toachieve a balance and obviously balance involves compromise. And there was acompromise sought and my view is that that compromise should be respected. Thereis tension, there are serious risks but one would hope that people would show therestraint that is necessary. And if there is leadership I think the ultimate comprises can be worked out.
Enright:
Do you support the Chief Constable's view that this march should have been rerouted?
Tánaiste:
Yes we do support that, yes.
Costigan (104FM):
Tánaiste you have alluded to the grim scenario that might occur if the march was allowed to go down the Garvaghy Road and of course the converseis equally grim and it does seem as if the Unionists and loyalists perhaps have drawn aline in the sand of this particular issue and all of their anger and all of their aggression
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