Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

The murder of Paul Quinn on 20 October was an appalling atrocity. Although months have passed since it occurred, our feelings still go out the parents, family and relatives of Paul Quinn, and to the members of his community. Two issues arise from his murder, the need for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and the need for proper law and order in south Armagh.

A few weeks after the murder, I called to the Quinn household in Cullyhanna in the company of councillor Geraldine Donnelly. Despite the enormity of the tragedy, I was impressed by the dignity of the family. Briege Quinn told me she desired two things, that Paul's name be cleared of allegations of criminality and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. Paul Quinn's name has been cleared by the Government here and the Taoiseach spoke to Briege. I was present at the meeting. The Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party also accepts that Paul Quinn was an innocent victim.

On Mrs. Quinn's second desire, that the perpetrators be brought to justice, I was impressed by the fact that she wanted to achieve this within the law and in no other way. As I have done many times since the murder, I appeal to anybody who has any information whatsoever to give it to the Garda or the Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI. I am very impressed with the level of co-operation and the manner in which the investigation has been carried out by both the Garda and PSNI. It is very encouraging to those of us who live along the Border.

The second issue of fundamental importance is the restoration of law and order to south Armagh. The overwhelming majority of people in the region are decent and law abiding but there are thugs who take the law into their own hands. It is encouraging at present to note the burning desire of so many to see a restoration of the rule of law and a normal society re-established. This has been highlighted by the hundreds of people who have attended the meetings organised by the Quinn's support group throughout south Armagh and in my constituency of Cavan-Monaghan, one of which was held in Castleblayney.

It is important that so many people, particularly locals, are prepared to speak out very strongly about the fact that they want to see the perpetrators of the crime brought to justice and that they want a restoration of normality to the locality. It is the first time in a generation in such circumstances that so many ordinary people — a small number was always prepared to come forward — have spoken so strongly about the need to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore law and order.

There is now an opportunity to re-establish the rule of law in south Armagh. We must all work together, including the people in the locality and those in the wider Border area. The two Governments must grasp the opportunity that exists because it may not last. The Garda and PSNI also have an important role to play.

Who is afraid of normality? We all want to see normal community policing sooner rather than later and due process in the courts of law. I hope that people will never again live in fear of external sanctions or be beaten to death with iron bars in Oram or anywhere else.

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