Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was privileged to be a Member of the Lower House when, in July 1990, Nelson Mandela walked down the steps of the Chamber of Dáil Éireann to address its Members some short months after he walked out of his prison cell. It is marvellous to reflect on his journey from student to lawyer to agitator to prisoner to statesman, peacemaker and humanitarian. Nelson Mandela has rightly been classified as a statesman and visionary. He certainly lived up to his reputation, but we must reflect on the journey that he was forced to undertake and ask what we can learn from it.

This is a week of tributes, but when people read the record and history books, we will need to accept in embarrassment that a different view of Nelson Mandela was expressed many times. Perhaps it is not only the body politic that changed its opinion of Nelson Mandela. Perhaps he recognised that his ideas and approach also needed to change. Above all else, he demonstrated that reconciliation and a willingness and ability to let the past be the past formed the only way forward in disputes, be they domestic or international. His reaching out to the minority and previously repressive community in South Africa must be an example to all of us.

Mention has been made of his comments on the politics of this land, his advice on the conflict in Northern Ireland and his connection with some of this island’s political figures. I do not want to be in any way disrespectful, but it must be stated that no one on either side of the political divide could in any way compare to Nelson Mandela. Such people have neither the generosity nor spirit of humanity that he brought to the table of conflict resolution.

We must ask how we can progress as a nation unless we take on board what Nelson Mandela stated about forgiveness and reconciliation. In the past ten days, we tragically saw an attempt to rewrite some of the history of this land. We should never rewrite history, but learn from it and move on.

There is much that is good of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy that we can take on board. Above all else, we should recognise that his doctrine of reconciliation, forgiveness and willingness to reach out to the opponent must be at the core of any formula for long-term peace and reconciliation.

We have been discussing a truth and reconciliation commission on this island. In this respect, we can learn from what happened in South Africa. It cannot solve all of the problems or wash away all of the pain and suffering, but it can play a major part in allowing people to reflect on the past while building towards a better future.

I thank the Leader to the opportunity to say a few words of tribute to Nelson Mandela. He will always be considered a statesman of the highest standing. I hope that we can learn from his example of peace and good will. Every parliament needs to reflect upon and learn from it.