Bertie Ahern cancels Glasgow trip

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has cancelled a trip to a Catholic shrine in Scotland after fears were raised about sectarian tensions.

Mr Ahern had been due to unveil a memorial to victims of the Irish potato famine at the Carfin Grotto, near Glasgow, on Sunday, only to find it clashed with a league match between Celtic and Rangers.

Labour MP Frank Roy, whose Motherwell and Wishaw constituency includes the site, said he had advised the Irish government that the Taoiseach's visit was ill-timed.

He said: "One of the worst nights in my constituency for policing is the night of any Old Firm game, and quite frankly we don't need this as well.

"There was an Old Firm game last night and there could be some bad blood carried over to Sunday.

"I think it was totally unnecessary and totally inappropriate. I think Mr Ahern was badly advised and I told him I was very sorry that no-one from the Irish embassy contacted me to ask my advice.

"The Taoiseach would be most welcome in my constituency at any other time. I wouldn't even have a problem with the unveiling being on the morning of the game, but I do have a problem with it being after the final whistle in the dark."

A spokeswoman for the Taoiseach confirmed that Mr Ahern had postponed the trip.

"He is very disappointed he can't go, but concerns were expressed about safety in the light of the fact that there was an Old Firm match on that day," the spokeswoman said.

"It was felt it might be better to postpone the visit, but he still fully intends to go at a later date."