Martin Cullen says: 'should go off to the bog and take the immigrants with him'

dublin | racism & migration related issues | other press Monday July 04, 2005 15:49 by Sinn Féin

'The original transcripts of Dáil records show Minister Cullen, telling a Deputy, who had criticised the length of time the Government was allowing the Dáil to close for summer holidays, that he 'should go off to the bog and take the immigrants with him'.'

Published: 1 July, 2005

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Seán Crowe TD, has called on the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern to reign in the Minister for Transport Martin Cullen over comments he made in the Dáil today.

Deputy Crowe said, "During the course of Order of Business this morning the Transport Minister, Martin Cullen made a comment which he must withdraw. The original transcripts of Dáil records show Minister Cullen, telling a Deputy, who had criticised the length of time the Government was allowing the Dáil to close for summer holidays, that he 'should go off to the bog and take the immigrants with him'.

"Throwaway remarks like this are completely unacceptable from Government Ministers. The Taoiseach must reign in the Minister and instruct him to withdraw the remarks and to issue a public apology.

"There is a growing tide of racism being directed against immigrants and other non nationals in this country. Remarks like those Minister Cullen made today can do nothing but contribute to that problem." ENDS