Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I always feel a little intimidated speaking after my colleague here because he is such a wonderful speaker.

I thank the witnesses all so much for coming in today. We had young people in this morning and it was mind-blowing. I have to be honest with everyone about that. Hearing these presentations today, and I look forward to hearing the others as well, I want to repeat my thanks to the Cathaoirleach for this wonderful opportunity to be able to speak, and to hear everybody's voice, here today.

It really is significant to hear the voices of Mr. Swain, with his own background and where he is, and of course, Reverend Paisley, here today. Of course, we have our other speakers here today. I cannot thank them enough. I met Reverend Paisley's father many years ago when he got electricity on Rathlin Island - it was unbelievable - where my father comes from. It was historic to get electricity on the island.

I thank everyone. I was struck by Dr. Devlin's description in her submission of the necessity for a more modern hybrid understanding of identity, North and South. I suppose I just wanted to ask Dr. Devlin what can we do to promote this more flexible and inclusive way of thinking because it is so important. Identity, as Senator Victor Boyhan stated this morning, is key in all of these discussions. How can we be more flexible and inclusive in thinking about our identities and ourselves?

Mr. Reidy hit the nail on the head in his submission that we need to ensure that a border poll is run in an orderly informed way so that it does not become the shambles of Brexit. How should the Government plan and prepare to ensure that does not happen? That is key in all of this.

I thank Professor Ashe so much. I would love to see the research. I really would. This is absolutely vital in these conversations going forward. There is a civic organisation event happening tomorrow. We need to bring what Professor Ashe is doing and have more engagement on that. We have the women's council of Ireland speaking at the event but we need Professor Ashe's voice there.

I found Professor Ashe's submission brilliant as well, notably the reference to the gender politics of the Good Friday Agreement and everything that has come after. We have to look at all of that. The way in which women and grassroots campaigners can be shut out of the process was highlighted by groups, such as the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition. How do we ensure that women get to participate fully in discussions on constitutional change?

I do not believe Mr. Beckton has spoken yet.

It was powerful to listen to what Mr. Swain had to say, particularly about he has shifted because of what is happening with Brexit, which has dramatically changed the face of everything. The people of Northern Ireland did not vote for Brexit. We always have to keep that at the forefront of everything we do in the future.

These conversations are fantastic. I am so happy to be here today and so privileged to be able to hear the debate. I recommend that our guests look back at the young people’s forum this morning. I would really encourage them to do so.