Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to speak to this important and sad occasion following the death of the great Nelson Mandela. I offer my sympathies to his immediate family and to all the people of South Africa.

When I think of Nelson Mandela, I think of the words inclusion, grace, dignity, love of country, humour, courage, reconciliation and a great sense of humanity. People in this country identify with Nelson Mandela because of our past and because of his contribution to our current peace process. Our histories are intertwined from the stonebraker's yard in Robben Island to the yard in Kilmainham Gaol and those of us in the Dáil today should never forget it. Democracy and freedom should never be taken for granted. If we are genuine and serious about respecting and honouring Mandela we must strive each day for these ideals. Democracy justice, equality and freedom are real issues that have to be cherished. I urge all Deputies not only to talk about these ideals but to come out every day and implement them.

I pay tribute to the Dunnes Stores strikers, who, in 1984, took a stand against apartheid long before it was popular in this part of the world. I remember well attending the pickets and giving a few bob to the strikers for their fun when the needed it. Today, I salute the Dunnes Stores strikers but I also commend and thank people like Brendan Archbold and John Mitchell from the Irish Distributive and Administrative Union, IDATU, on their magnificent work on this important issue. They took a stand long before it became fashionable and trendy.

In honour of Nelson Mandela and the Dunnes Stores strikers it is important to state that the struggle for freedom and justice and equality still goes on today. We must be vigilant on issues like racism and sectarianism in our country. Let us not fool ourselves or become complacent. They are out there and we need to show a Mandela-type leadership on these matters. The same goes for our own peace process. Many in the House and outside need to focus on reconciliation, justice, healing, equality and a respect for difference and diversity. That is the Ireland that I want to work for, that is the new Ireland we should all push for and that is the new Ireland that I want to see North and South. This new Ireland should be based on the principles and ideals of Nelson Mandela, who, in turn, based his vision on our patriots.

Let us use this sad day to remember Nelson Mandela and his greatness, but let us also push on and stand with the Palestinian people, the Cuban people and the oppressed throughout world and build a world based on freedom, justice and equality. May he rest in peace.

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