Reid defends Ahern cancellation

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid has defended the Taoiseach's decision to pull out of his planned visit to Scotland this weekend after an MP raised public order fears.

Dr Reid said Bertie Ahern had shown "common sense and sensitivity" in cancelling his trip to the Glasgow area, which would have included a Celtic-Rangers game and unveiling a cross at a Catholic grotto to commemorate the Irish famine.

Mr Reid also defended the right of local Labour MP Frank Roy to voice his concerns to Irish officials over the planned visit, but did not say if he himself shared those concerns.

"I think Frank Roy, as the local MP, not only had a right but a duty to inform the Taoiseach of what he thought was a potential downside, which could mar what was to be a celebration of the unity of the Scottish and Irish people."