Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. Murphy for her excellent presentation. Even though when one paints a picture it can be quite bleak, hers was a very positive and hopeful presentation. If we take on what she said and it all worked out, it could be almost historic. I am mindful that the breakdown in trust between the two parties is very difficult. It is hard to even think about how that trust will come back. It is almost like a marriage. When the trust breaks down in a marriage it is very difficult but not impossible to rebuild; it can be done.

It is vital to bring someone in. It plays a huge role in all of this. I hope this is an appropriate question to ask Dr. Murphy. Who does she believe should be brought in to build up that relationship again, working on a shared future and building on the Good Friday Agreement, which is a brilliant document? As Dr. Murphy said, unionists and nationalists are probably all fearful of the same thing. This has a huge impact on the North. It is important that the North of Ireland gets special status in this. People are sick listening to me saying this. I have family who are farmers up in the North. They live on a small island up there. They are terrified of what might happen now that this is starting to really come to the fore.

What are Dr. Murphy’s recommendations on building trust? Regarding the special status, what does she regard as the perfect scenario for this situation? If she had a magic wand what would she do?