John Gilroy (Labour)

The President has a vision which is characterised by inclusivity which made me think recently about what our vision of this country should be. It is all the more important as we approach a series of centenaries which have defined what we are today. President Higgins's views are a long way from the narrow nationalism that has become associated with republicanism in this country. One example of what I mean occurred during the Queen's recent visit. I noticed a tiny number of protesters as I was driving along the road. Some of them were carrying the national flag and were using it as a symbol of a very narrow view. I looked on in amazement as they finished their protest because as they walked away they trailed the flag behind them on the ground. It struck me that such a level of casual carelessness with a national symbol would never happen in any other country. It would be inconceivable to see an American or someone from the United Kingdom trailing their flag behind them on the ground. The challenging nature of what it means to be Irish was summed up yesterday by a Catholic priest from Northern Ireland whom I heard on the radio. He stated that it was his opinion that most of his parishioners would not wish to be part of a united Ireland. I ask the Leader to consider devoting time in the Chamber to a full debate on what it means to be Irish in the 21st century, in particular as we approach a number of important centenaries.