Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We made a decision not to proceed with the petition for a number of reasons. Notwithstanding the language used, it would send the wrong message in terms of what was referred to by Deputies Mitchell and Cassells about the pathway to an united Ireland and what we have voted on. The important point is that we are having the conversation. I ask members to cast their minds back to two years ago when the former Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, was speaking about the consequence of Brexit and the issue of an united Ireland. It is important to recognise, as Deputy Cassells said, that work is being done, for example, by people in my party such as Senator Feighan, who is very clear in his approach and has been involved in meeting, discussing, liaising and engaging with many different organisations, both community and political, in the North. I had the pleasure of canvassing and meeting members of the SDLP and the Alliance Party. It is important that we recognise what has been said in the recent polls on "Claire Byrne Live" on a united Ireland and a Border poll. The last thing we must do is to create a political football whereby we can kick this back and forward and up and down. This is far too important, sensitive and precious. We must avoid language that polarises people with the hardening of sectarian positions.

The best we can do is to recognise that all of us who aspire to a 32-county Ireland know that we have reached the point through the Good Friday Agreement whereby we have a pathway. Many people voted to get rid of Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution and to insert amended articles into the Constitution. That is the present position.

The substantive text before us for consideration is divisive and sends a wrong message. I wish to reinforce the point the Chairman made earlier.