Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I agree. The Deputy is correct. I pay tribute to all of those mentioned, irrespective of the parties they represented, on the efforts they made - often unrecognised - in playing their part in putting together the jigsaw of peace eventually agreed North and South by both communities in overwhelming numbers. Evidence of this was epitomised today by the visit of the Queen of England, at the invitation of the President. One can never know in advance the power of the symbolism of these events. However, for me, representing the Government with many others, the symbolism of Captain Tom Holmes walking across in front of Áras an Uachtaráin to the Queen of England, flanked by two officers of Óglaigh na hÉireann, and indicating that the guard of honour, the members of which were drawn from the Army, the Air Corps and the Navy, was ready for her inspection was powerful beyond words. That symbolism, as the Deputy reflected, shows the maturity of two countries able to do their business in a modern sense and get on with life in a spirit of co-operation, respect and friendship.

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