Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to focus on two questions. The questions will be to Reverend Kyle Paisley and Dr. Devlin.

I want to acknowledge, because it was echoed this morning and yet again here today, that words matter and language and the sensitivity of language matters too. I want to acknowledge Reverend Kyle Paisley's opening address to Seanad Éireann, with the word, "Cathaoirleach". We talked about Queen Elizabeth and her use of language in Dublin Castle, much quoted. I want to genuinely acknowledge and thank Reverend Kyle Paisley for the respect shown to this House. It is significant. One word is even very significant. It reminds me of the Irish language and culture and how we must allow and give space for Irish culture and language in Northern Ireland and, for that matter, on the island of Ireland because we talk about the lrish language in Ireland but we have much to do here in terms of our understanding and fluency of the language and the Irish tradition and culture. It is something that all people on this island value. We need to be mindful of that in our ongoing discussions, particularly about the Irish language in Northern Ireland. It is an issue I support. Indeed, I am not a great Irish speaker but I see the richness and the connectivity of it. That is really important because it goes back to that message about identity.

Dr. Devlin talked about something that I touched on this morning. Dr. Devlin mentioned the word "identity" as an emotional construct - I myself said that this morning - and it cannot be ignored. Dr. Devlin said that any new constitutional arrangement must make space for the British identity going forward. That is generous. We need that sense of generosity in our language but also in our actions. Dr. Devlin might elaborate on that. It is a powerful message.

Finally, in relation to that question to Reverend Kyle Paisley, Dr. Devlin says that unionism and unionist difficulties are the republicans' opportunity. It is a cliché to a great extent but, clearly, Dr. Devlin feels it. It was the heading of the second paragraph in Dr. Devlin's speech that she submitted in advance and I would like her to tease that out a little with us.