Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion. Most Members have relied on soundbites by the media to inform themselves on what has been happening in the peace process over the past ten or 12 years. We are not on the inside track and could be accused of making remarks based on a wealth of ignorance. Having said that, I believe, as a Border Deputy, that I have a fair understanding of how we should make progress. I have a good depth of feeling for and knowledge of the subject.

I remember clearly the day on which the provisional IRA's ceasefire broke down in 1975. I happened to be in what one might call the wrong area of Belfast. If one could have bottled hatred, one would have obtained a lifetime supply of it in certain communities in Belfast. There is a very deep sense of distrust and blame. This surfaced recently when the President made what could be considered an unhelpful remark to the effect that Protestants were taught to hate Catholics.

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