Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I take the opportunity of Leaders' Questions to the Taoiseach today to raise the horrific murder of PSNI officer Ronan Kerr in Omagh at the weekend. We have our political differences but in terms of the rule of law and democracy I believe the Taoiseach and I are on the same side. I know that the Taoiseach and the Government share our and our party's abhorrence at the callous and shocking murder of police constable Ronan Kerr. In that context, will the Taoiseach agree that the perpetrators of such evil actions have no place in a civilised society and must be challenged and confronted at every opportunity?

In the aftermath of such an horrific murder it is important that a clear, united and unequivocal message be sent from this democratic Chamber that those responsible for this cowardly atrocity have no mandate and do not act in the name of the Irish people. The murder of Ronan Kerr is a direct assault on the peace process itself. No terrorist gang can be allowed to dictate to the Irish people or undermine our desire to live and share this island in harmony and friendship.

It is important that our national Parliament is seen to stand firmly and absolutely behind the peace process. It is for this reason that I ask if the Taoiseach would agree that it would be an apt response from this House that we pass an all-party agreed motion to make clear our abhorrence of this murder in Omagh. There is a precedent in this regard because in March 2009, following the murder of PSNI constable Stephen Carroll and two British soldiers, the Dáil passed such a motion. The murder of PSNI constable Ronan Kerr is no different to, and is equally repulsive as those which took place in 2009. I request that the motion to which I refer be taken following statements. Fianna Fáil has tabled a motion but would withdraw it in favour of a joint motion agreed by the Whips.

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