Thatcher’s view

IN August 1979, Margaret Thatcher, referring to New York governor Hugh Carey’s visit to Ireland amid reports that he was planning to put pressure on the British government over Northern Ireland, said she “would not think of discussing with President Carter, for example, US policy towards their black population”.

Less than one month later, in September 1979, the London government asked Roy Jenkins to brief the Pope on “what the British would prefer the Pope to say”.

I wonder what Mrs Thatcher’s view would be if Ireland had lobbied the head of the Church of England, Queen Elizabeth, on what she should say regarding the North.

Finbar Walsh

Crossbarry

Co Cork