Briefing from the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman on: 2012 Olympic Games, Northern Ireland and PM’s Birthday.
2012 Olympic Games
Asked if the Prime Minister had decided to back a London bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that no decision had been taken on the bid at this stage. We had said that we would give the issue careful consideration, and that was precisely what we were doing. Asked if the matter would be discussed at this week’s Cabinet, the PMOS said that he was not aware of any plans to do so at this point.
Northern Ireland
Questioned about Paul Murphy’s Statement on Northern Ireland today, the PMOS said that at this stage it was still only a possibility. Mr Murphy was expected to accompany the Prime Minister to Dublin this afternoon. Were any Statement to the House to be made, it would be done so later this evening. Asked the point of a further Statement given the fact that Mr Murphy had addressed the House last Thursday, the PMOS pointed out that Mr Murphy’s Statement last week had been very short because it had been made just before the House had risen for the Bank Holiday break. Today he hoped to make a full statement on the decision to postpone the elections in Northern Ireland until the autumn. No doubt he would also talk about the Prime Minister’s meeting with the Taoiseach this afternoon. Questioned about today’s meeting, the PMOS said that the two leaders would reiterate both Governments’ demands for the IRA to make a clearer statement on an end to paramilitary activity. The meeting would also discuss the next steps to take in the process.
PM’s Birthday
Asked if there were any plans for the Prime Minister to attend a private birthday party today, the PMOS said that he was due to return from Dublin in the early evening, following which he would attend a private function. Asked what birthday presents the Prime Minister had received, the PMOS said that he hadn’t the faintest idea. However, if journalists wished to mark this happy occasion by purchasing a gift for the Prime Minister, he would be delighted to pass it on in person.
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