Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I wish to share time with Deputies Joan Collins, Luke Flanagan and Catherine Murphy. I am thankful for the opportunity to speak to this urgent and sad debate, which concerns the horrific murder of Ronan Kerr, a young PSNI officer. I offer my deepest and most sincere sympathy to his mother, brothers and sister, as well as his family and close friends. It was a nightmare for young Ronan's family that he should die in such a way.

Before I discuss the political and policing aspects of his death it is essential to state we should never forget the human aspects of the tragedy and the hurt for his family. They will never get over it and, like many victims of the Troubles and of violence, their pain and hurt will continue for a long time. It is a sad day for the whole country to see such a young man's life wasted. Those of us who strongly support Irish unity and independence totally reject such attacks. They are wrong and have no support from the vast majority of the people. It is important that the Kerr family know that in their hour of need and deep sadness.

I commend the GAA on its brave stand yesterday in speaking out on this horrific murder. It was fair, decent and right, and showed leadership when it was needed. I also commend the leadership of Sinn Féin, particularly that of Deputy Gerry Adams today in his decisive and strong statement on Ronan Kerr's murder. We need that kind of leadership in this country concerning opposition to violence when there is a political path wide open to all people on the island. The people of this country want to solve our political problems by peaceful and democratic means. If one is not happy with the lot of the political scene - I am such a person - one can join a political party or become an Independent Deputy or councillor, put one's name forward, fight for one's political corner and bring change to this country.

There are indeed choices and options. However, the blowing up of young Ronan Kerr was no such option and must be challenged in today's debate. The Good Friday Agreement is about accommodating difference and diversity, about bringing forward republican principles that are in line with the teachings of Tone and Connolly. It is about equality and respect. Saturday's killing was not about equality and respect. I belong to the Technical Group, a group of 16 Deputies who have strong differences on policy and political matters but are all united Irish men and women in the tradition of Tone and Connolly, uniting Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter. That is the way forward for Irish politics and for the country.

On the issue of policing I accept there must be major changes. The police force in the North must prove itself to be neutral and independent of politics. There has been a very sad history in that respect. Men and women in the police force must earn the respect of the community. Ronan was one of the 30% of Catholics who now make up the force. I strongly support all the parties which want to push up that figure. However, the Southern parties must change too and must actively support the peace process. All Members of this House and of the Northern Assembly must be guardians of the peace process. Otherwise there will be more Ronan Kerrs - that is the sad reality.

Again, I commend Deputy Gerry Adams. He was right to say all of us must make politics work and prove these people wrong. That is the essential point. It is not a time for sitting on the fence. We owe it to victims like Ronan Kerr. I reiterate my sincere sympathy to Nuala Kerr and all her family.

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