Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, for the opportunity to speak on this historic day on the evolution of our peace process. I thank and commend all those who have made a massive contribution to peace and justice on our island. It is a real opportunity for all of us to ensure politics works. Let us roll up our sleeves during the next 12 months and try to move the peace process forward. Not talking to each other or using the peace process to score political points should not be an option and should never be an option in the future. The process belongs to all the people on the island of Ireland and if we are serious about a democratic peace settlement we have to respect the wishes of the majority of our people on the island.

The republican leadership and its members have shown courage, vision and leadership in putting arms beyond use and in trying to take the guns out of Irish politics. This process has been independently assessed and most people agree it is a reality. I welcome that and yet I understand the fears of many. However, we have to move forward. I urge all Members to put our country first and stop the petty bickering I have witnessed today and during the past year. We also have to face up to the reality of Unionist paramilitaries and the British security forces. They are the people who have all the weapons. I urge the Taoiseach to focus on these weapons over the next couple of weeks. It is time for them all to get off the stage and let the peace process evolve. Recent sectarian violence can never be tolerated and the silence from many quarters is deafening. Sectarianism, like racism, can never be understood or tolerated in our society. Attacks on homes or the quiet sectarian language should be a thing of the past and I urge all politicians, North and South, to show leadership on this issue and on this terrible evil.

Selective opposition to violence should also be challenged. I remind all Members that in this conflict we had three violent groups — republican violence, Unionist paramilitary violence and British State security violence. I urge some Members and some Cabinet Members to get off the high moral ground and get on with the job of resolving this major conflict. Exclusion and censorship did not work in the past and will never work. Silence on sectarianism and criticising one side in the conflict is cheap opportunism and, more importantly, it lets our people down. I urge everyone to open their minds and listen to new ideas in finding a solution to this historic conflict.

I have a major problem with Ministers and politicians who say they have concerns about representing the minority in the North while at the same time opposing their political representatives speaking in this House. I fully support the right of people in the North to speak in the House. If Members are serious about inclusion they should support that position.

I urge all Deputies to unite, support the development of the peace process, build a new Ireland for Catholic, Protestant, Muslin, Jew and dissenter and use this moment in history to ensure all guns are taken out of Irish politics and build a new country based on justice, equality and peace.

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