James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have one observation and one other question. I will try to be brief because I know time is against us. The last speaker, Deputy Wynne, picked up on what Mr. Adams said about parties which have enjoyed being in power not wishing to give up that power. Perhaps not surprisingly, I do not agree with that analysis. As was reflected earlier with Senator Currie, it is the prerogative of all of us as politicians to have different positions and to advance them. The reason I do not agree with that statement is that it presupposes a particular outcome in a unity context and a particular political framework. I suppose I do not accept that. I think all of us as politicians and political parties have the opportunity to advance our arguments and convince the people. I think that is good because nobody should be afraid of change. As national secretary of Fianna Fáil, I have knocked on doors in Fermanagh, Belfast and other places, just as the Chairman has done with his own party. That is a process that will take place in time but I just want to make the observation that I think it is a good thing. I welcome the opportunity and I think it is something we should do more of. I look forward to the day we can do that across the island.