Two Donegal TDs urge Irish Government to become active in “Famine Song” issue.

Exclusive.

Two Donegal TDs have submitted written questions to Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamonn Gilmore about the need for the Irish government to be active in combating Anti-Irish Racism in Scotland.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East) is a government backbencher and Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West) is an Independent TD who was once a member of Sinn Fein.

I understand that both deputies were contacted by concerned constituents after the CIS Insurance Cup Final at Hampden Park last month.

The catalyst for these approaches seems to have been the statement released by Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill that the cup final had passed off without incident and that the fans had played their part in a wonderful occasion.

Throughout the match it was clearly audible that the large section of the Rangers support indulged in the illegal “Famine Song” as well as the “Billy Boys”.

I understand that Thomas Pringle TD is particularly aware of the need to focus the newly elected Irish government to interact with the Scottish Executive at the earliest possible opportunity on this matter.  Speaking to me today he re-affirmed that his focus was that this was an issue of Anti-Irish racism is Scotland and not one of “sectarianism”.

Joe McHugh has a laudable track record in combatting the “Famine Song” going back to 2008 when it first was heard among the Rangers support. His determination to eradicate this racist ditty  from the Rangers songbook has not diminished since he vacated the opposition side of the Dail.

I suspect that the new minister and number two in the Irish government will not get away with a standard written reply to these two Donegal Deputies.

This is a developing story.