Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)

This week's decommissioning of weapons marks a pivotal point in Irish history. I hope that it will start a new era of cross-community co-operation and peace in Northern Ireland. It is one of the most momentous events of the past 50 years in this country and I wholeheartedly welcome it. The many people who took risks for peace when it was not politically correct to do so have been vindicated. Thank God, most of them are alive to see the fruits of their efforts in a tangible way. Peacemaking is an extremely difficult task. I compliment all concerned and, in particular, General de Chastelain and his assistants, as well as the two churchmen for their supervision. Ordinary people on both sides of the divide are the real unsung heroes of this peace process. They worked tirelessly to build bridges between communities in their neighbourhoods. We cannot forget such people.

I am bitterly disappointed that a man of the cloth, Rev. Paisley, has seen fit to reject the bona fides and cast aspersions on the integrity of Fr. Alex Reid and Rev. Harold Good. By not acknowledging that decommissioning has taken place, that is effectively what he is doing. It is a new low when one does not accept the word of clergymen.

The opportunity exists for Rev. Paisley and the DUP to play a responsible leadership role and accept, in the fullness of time, that a momentous act has occurred. They owe it to the people to lead fairly. Rev. Paisley could make a significant contribution to the ultimate goal of self-government in Northern Ireland. Major benefits might ensue.

Interdepartmental co-operation between North and South in areas such as agriculture, tourism, health and education could ensue. There are many areas of mutual concern and interest. Those who were elected would then do what they were elected to do, that is, serve the people and they would benefit. We must move in this direction sooner rather than later.

See this speech in context