Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Bruton for his contribution. Some have already referred to how long it was but it was truly beneficial to someone like me. It provided much-needed background. In some ways it painted quite a picture for those of us who were not involved. This is the first meeting of the committee in which I have been able to take part. It is very apt that it is with one of the architects of the Good Friday Agreement. I am very grateful for this.

Mr. Bruton mentioned that the constant focus on a border poll is destabilising. Other speakers have touched on this issue already but I want to go back to it. Many would agree that such a focus is putting the cart before the horse. In Mr. Bruton's view what would be more stabilising steps that would be a better approach? Much the same as there being steps in reaching the Good Friday Agreement what would be the practical steps before an effective border poll can take place? I believe that 50% plus one, if achieved, would be difficult to manage with such margins of consent. It may be enough under the Good Friday Agreement but it would be a concern as to how it would be responded to locally.

Mr. Bruton mentioned reconciliation. This is very important. Instead of it being a word or an idea, how do we materialise it and bring true meaning to it? This brings me to Mr. Bruton's comments on commemorations. What are his thoughts on this? He mentioned commemorating acts that unionists regard as terrorism and possibly vice versa. How can we find a balance on harm and offence and having the right sensitivity on such emotional matters for those affected?

The Vice Chair mentioned that is very difficult to get unionists here to engage but that the committee's recent visit to Westminster proved slightly more successful. I want to briefly mention that I agree with the Vice Chair's comments on the commonalities and hardships that affect all people, no matter how they identify. This is a better way to bring collaboration to work together and to find common ground for those who feel there are major differences. Mr. Bruton explained the twin-track approach. There were many difficulties to which he referred in the lead-up to being able to get it across the line. Does he have more information on how he managed to persuade successfully in this regard?