Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is the point. I do not believe now is the time to do it. I know the Deputy has been involved trying to assist in the recent difficulties over the flag controversy in Northern Ireland. It is time for the First Minister, Mr. Robinson MLA, and the Deputy First Minister, Mr. Martin McGuinness MLA, and everybody else including us here, to work in the interests of restoring stability and community peace in Northern Ireland. That is why I was very happy to propose to President Van Rompuy that the multi-annual financial framework for Europe include moneys for the PEACE programme. When I have the opportunity to raise that with our American colleagues, I will be happy to do that also. Clearly the Deputy knows better than most how sensitive this can be in vulnerable community areas. I would like to see Northern Ireland really begin to prosper - it has been doing that - but this sets it back in terms of reputation and retail capacity and all the rest of it. It is a matter for the British Government to agree whether to have a Border poll now. Clearly if that were to happen, depending on the result, we would have to consider what would happen here. I do not think now is the time to do it. I know it is an issue that is in the Good Friday Agreement, but we have much work to do both here and up North before people's mentality and views change about the future of the island.

There are now many connections regarding the development of the island economy. For example, we appointed personnel from Northern Ireland to serve on the permanent representation in Brussels in so far as Ireland's Presidency of the European Union is concerned. We have had discussions at the North-South Ministerial Council about reducing the rate of corporation tax in Northern Ireland, which is a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive and the British Government. Where we can, we help the First Minister and Deputy First Minister with their trip to China seeking potential investment in Northern Ireland and elsewhere. There is considerable activity there and now is not the time for a Border poll.

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