Scots distance themselves from Ahern decision
Senior Scottish ministers have tried to distance themselves from the Taoiseach's postponed visit to the country.
It emerged today that Mr Ahern's trip to Scotland has been called off after a Labour MP voiced public order fears if he attended an event at a Catholic landmark shortly after a Celtic-Rangers football clash.
A senior Scottish Executive spokesman said it was a matter for the Irish Government and insisted the visit had been unofficial.
Mr Ahern had planned to watch the Old Firm league match in Glasgow before visiting a Catholic grotto at Carfin, Lanarkshire to unveil a cross in memory of victims of the Irish famine in the 19th century.
But the plans have been called off after Labour MP Frank Roy expressed fear to the Government over its timing.
Mr Roy said, "One of the worst nights in my constituency for policing is the night of the Old Firm game and, quite frankly, we don't need this as well."
