Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I thank my party leader, Deputy Enda Kenny, for meeting Briege and Stephen Quinn in Castleblayney and for following through on his commitment to facilitate these statements in Dáil Éireann. I also thank the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and all concerned for agreeing to them. It constitutes an opportunity to put on record Members' anger and repulsion at the murder of the Quinns' son and brother, Paul. His murder was premeditated and was carried out in the most cruel way in my constituency in Oram, County Monaghan. I welcome to the Gallery Mr. Stephen Quinn, his son and daughter, Paul's aunt and other relations.

It is not acceptable for any politician or individual to try to justify such a judge, jury and execution system in any country, let alone in respect of the peace process. These statements give all Members a chance to clear the record, which is important for the future. I note the Quinn family seeks a future without any other deaths or retaliation. People from all political backgrounds and none must co-operate with both the Garda and the PSNI so that those responsible can be put behind bars. My constituency colleague, Deputy Margaret Conlon, already stated that more young people are under threat in this region. In recent years, many others have been badly beaten but are afraid even to make statements because they fear for their lives in south County Armagh.

Those who murdered Paul Quinn must be brought to justice, otherwise this would be an unacceptable result of all the efforts for peace. Yesterday witnessed the return of the PSNI on to the roads and streets. People have been found buying guns in eastern Europe and districts still lie under fear and are controlled without PSNI involvement. South Armagh is not the only problem area, as two PSNI officers have been shot in other areas. I know from first-hand experience that loyalist districts also are causing serious problems and this issue is not limited to south Armagh or republican areas. Such districts also must be brought under police control. There must and can be only one army and police force in a democratic country.

The PSNI, the Garda and the Customs and Excise have had some success in Border areas on other issues in the recent past. The two Governments must provide whatever resources are necessary to bring the murderers of Paul Quinn to justice and give other young people the right to live. Twelve or 14 people could not be involved in such a brutal murder without someone being aware of what happened or who organised it. It is not a secret that the people involved were wearing balaclavas, special uniforms and other items that all had hoped to forget. I plead to their consciences, whoever they are, to break this cycle as they may be the next victims otherwise.

While I welcome the statement made today by my constituency colleague, Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, I hope that all his colleagues in south Armagh will be as clear. I assure Members that Fine Gael has not raised this issue in the House for political reasons. It brought the issue into the House to provide justice to the Quinn family. Paul Quinn died in the most heinous and tragic circumstances and were his death to go unsolved, it would raise major questions regarding the reason people are unable to speak out. Undoubtedly, many people know exactly who was responsible for this deed.

I congratulate all those who attended public meetings in Cullyhanna, Crossmaglen and Castleblayney. My colleague, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, accompanied me to the meeting in Crossmaglen while others accompanied me to the meeting in Castleblayney. Those meetings provided a clear indication of the high levels of support for the Quinn family, as well as the opportunity for people to speak in public on the problems and to clear Paul Quinn's name.

Young people in south Armagh have as much a right to freedom and opportunity as anyone else on our island home. Let the word go out loud and clear that democracy and justice, based on the rule of law, is the only way forward now and in future. The meetings in Castleblayney and Crossmaglen that I attended were illuminating as for the first time in the history of the Troubles, people were prepared to speak openly and show their support. I appreciate that Deputy Liz McManus travelled all the way from Wicklow to attend that meeting and that my other colleagues from all parties in County Monaghan attended the meeting in Castleblayney. Tremendous openness and a great commitment to law and order was displayed. Such commitment can only be proven to be real if it can be seen that people are prepared to come forward without fear and without the awareness that they face death in order that the Quinn murder can be solved.

I have spoken to many people privately since Paul Quinn's murder. People have come forward and have asked to meet me privately. It has been a revelation to hear of the level of threats and the pressures that exist in that locality. Having worked with all parties in the peace process, I have no doubt that all parties represented in this House are committed to it. However, the only manner in which this can be proved in the long term is to effect the restoration of law and order in all parts of the country and to see real progress in this case.

I again sympathise with the Quinn family, their relations and many supporters. I sympathise and pray they will be granted the strength to carry on. Unfortunately, Mrs. Briege Quinn is not present today. She was under great pressure in terms of her health when Deputy Enda Kenny and I met her in Castleblayney and I realise she did not wish to go through the experience of this debate. The manner in which Paul was murdered and his body was abandoned is inexpressible and unbelievable. When Stephen told the details to Deputy Kenny, Briege simply could not take it any longer. I thank her for coming that day to Castleblayney in order that Members witnessed the reality and pressures experienced by the family at first hand. I hope and pray that God will give them the strength to carry on and that they will be seen to receive the justice they deserve through the incarceration of the perpetrators.

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