Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. O'Connor. It has been very enlightening. His integrity and hard work is outstanding, as was the work of his Department. He acknowledged all his peers in the Department.

What struck me most in those comments is the relationship between the two Prime Ministers of the time, Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern. It was critical and once it gelled, peace flowed from it. There is something we can learn from that.

On a personal note, Mr. O'Connor mentioned my brother, Niall. My contribution to the peace process was driving him to meet Ms Jean Kennedy Smith at midnight at the American Embassy on some occasions.