Shatter ‘prejudiced’ against Catholics

Defence minister Alan Shatter has been accused of being prejudiced against the Catholic Church over his refusal to allow the army to provide a guard of honour for a procession during the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin recently.

Members of the Defence Forces have regularly taken part in religious events throughout the State.

A spokesperson for the Department of Defence confirmed that a request had been submitted by the congress seeking Defence Forces’ participation in a street procession.