On 8 December 1980, Taoiseach Charles Haughey and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher held a summit meeting in Dublin Castle, marking a new chapter in Anglo-Irish relations.
In this interview, the Taoiseach gives his verdict on the talks and considers them significant. While he acknowledges there is no ready-made solution to the ‘tragic problem’ of Northern Ireland, he thinks a step forward has been made in this area.
Regarding the H Block issue the Taoiseach feels the meeting has improved the chances of compromise on the problem. The Irish government welcomed the statement by Lord Carrington, the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs about the humanitarian aspects of the prison regime in Northern Ireland. However the Taoiseach emphasises
We are all deeply concerned and anxious that a solution can be brought forward because we see very serious dangers, very serious problems in the situation as it exists.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 8 December 1980.
