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

Go raibh maith ag Mr. Adams for his submission and attendance at the committee this evening. I have three questions. I will ask the first two, give Mr. Adams the opportunity to respond and perhaps come back in with the last question, if that is okay.

Mr. Adams speaks in his submission about political parties in power. He stated that political parties that have enjoyed being in power in this State since partition do not wish to give up that power. Will he elaborate on why he thinks that is the case?

Second, Mr. Adams mentions in his submission that the sensible goal for all democrats must be to persuade the largest number of people to vote yes. Obviously, having the majority is great and necessary for a united Ireland. However, in line with this committee meeting today and in respect of last week's, which was my first, one does start to think about what happens next. If it were the case that there were a majority with numbers of 50 plus 1, your mind does start to look to the 49% in that scenario. The question is what planning or steps would be necessary to respond to that kind of situation. I know many would almost fear what would happen if that were the case. What job of work needs to be done to prepare for that situation?