Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Leas Ceann Comhairle and the Government for allowing me some speaking time. The Taoiseach, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Carey, were involved.

I welcome the developments in the peace process in recent weeks and commend all those involved. This is above party politics. When people do the right thing they should always be praised and commended. I commend in particular the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs for their patience and perseverance during the entire process, especially in recent weeks. I also commend and thank Martin McGuinness and the Sinn Féin team at the talks for their patience, courage and vision. From the Unionist tradition, I thank and commend those who were prepared to move and act on the Good Friday Agreement. Politics is about change, and on this island, in particular, we need progressive change.

I come from the tradition that wants to unite Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter. Nowadays, in modern Ireland, there are many more religions and faiths. I want to build a country based on the values of respect and equality, that will enjoy diversity and difference. Sectarianism is not part of any politics and all Members of the Oireachtas have a duty to speak out and challenge it no matter where it pops up its head on this island. When I talk about equality and respect for the Unionist tradition, which I fully support, I expect to receive the same respect for my tradition which stems from that of Tone and Connolly. Sadly, there are too many Nationalists on this island who seem to be apologetic for what they believe in and appear to be afraid to say what they stand for and support. I believe in Irish unity and independence and I expect the same respect from others that I have for their traditions and views. However, not in 1,000 years would I dream of wanting to march down the Shankill Road or any road in east Belfast, waving a banner or a tricolour. I say this because I expect the same respect from the Orange Order which should not force itself down the Garvaghy Road.

During these talks I had major concerns about the background presence of the Orange Order on the Unionist side. Happily, common sense seems to have prevailed. Respect and equality should always be the name of the game in these talks and dominance or arrogance have no place in any peace process. We have now resolved to develop politics on this island without the gun. I welcome this major progress. All politicians must stand up now and sort out political differences by democratic and peaceful methods.

The Taoiseach said in the House today that the ongoing support of all Members for the building and maintenance of peace in the North has been invaluable. It remains a strong cornerstone of continuing progress towards lasting peace and reconciliation. That is the view of the vast majority of the Members of this House and that is the way it should be. The Taoiseach also spoke of the political reality, meaning that what was determined by the electorate at the last Assembly election is that the DUP and Sinn Féin are the leading parties which can command cross-community support between them in the Assembly. It is felt, therefore, that those two parties should reach out in agreement. I was astounded during the talks by the vision and leadership shown by both parties which come from completely different traditions. I commend the leadership involved.

I have concerns that there are some people in the DUP, however, who are not happy with this deal and that there are others in the wings who want to wreck the entire peace process. This must be challenged. We, as politicians, should never take it for granted. The peace process is bigger than the political parties, both in the North and in this Dáil. It belongs to the people of Ireland and to the community, voluntary and justice groups. I emphasise the word "justice". Peace will never have a solid foundation without justice and equality. Truth and reconciliation are a major part of any peace process. That is why I say there can be no running away from the issue of collusion, which other speakers mentioned. It is not acceptable in any state to have state forces running, funding or assisting death squads, as happens in South America.

As Members of the Dáil, let us remind ourselves what happened in the North for many years or on the streets of Dublin or Monaghan, or in places such as Loughinisland. Those involved showed clearly in many other instances the issue of collusion. We must get rid of this for once and for all. Pretending it did not happen will not heal the hurt. I say this to all sides that were active in the conflict during the past 30 years. That is why I welcome the recent disarming by all but a few of the paramilitary groups. Today I urge the few that are left to disarm and get involved in politics. It is never too late to save a life. I urge these people to read the words of Tone and Connolly, roll up their sleeves and bring Protestant, Catholic and Dissenter together and build a new Ireland, a new republic that does not end at Dundalk, and to use their energy to unite our people on this island. That is what I want to see. That is the vision for the future for which all of us in this country want to work.

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