Ms Claire Hanna:

I thank Mr. McCann for the presentation. Unfortunately, I have not had an opportunity to read it yet but I had a look at the website this morning. I appreciate the approach around understanding and empathy, which we could do with in spades in this debate and conversation but also generally in all our policy approaches. Anything modelled on Václav Havel's view of nation-building and engagement is a good thing as he is a good role model for all of us.

As others have noted, this initiative is, correctly, outside of the political sphere. That is right. In terms of this debate I believe in letting a thousand flowers bloom, essentially, because there are people who will be put off by perceived or real silos that they see in political conversations. Indeed, there are people who would not necessarily go to a public meeting or are not involved in a geographically-based or networked group. It is, therefore, good that these are proposals and ideas in which anybody can get involved.

I saw that Mr. McCann suggested potentially calling the new Ireland just that. I do not disagree with the concept. I agree that we are building a "New Ireland" but I am afraid that name is taken by an island in Papua New Guinea beside New Britain.