Declassified files reveal briefing notes given to new Northern Ireland Office ministers in 1999.
New Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson was advised to avoid referring to the Republic of Ireland as “The Free State” or “The Republican Government” when he took up the role in October 1999, newly declassified files have revealed.
The document said there was a good working relationship between former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair “The tone has been set by the close personal relationship between the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.”The new Northern Ireland Secretary was advised to avoid referring to Great Britain as “the mainland”.
The document stated: “The Free State – official name of the Republic from 1922-37. Sometimes used as a derogatory term by unionists and republicans. Unacceptable.
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