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

I thank the Acting Chairman, Deputy Catherine Byrne, for giving me the opportunity to speak in this important debate on the current situation in the North of Ireland.

Following the Haass-O'Sullivan talks and proposals, it is important for all of us living on the island to focus on what is happening in the North and the urgent need to keep the momentum of the peace process. I have major concerns that some think we can let it drift and that it will be all right on the night. That is not going to happen. As we have all seen recently, sectarianism is on the rise and the Government needs to adopt a more hands-on approach to the current situation in the North. Complacency is not an option; we all need strong leadership. Sadly, this leadership is lacking, particularly following the Haass talks, in respect of which, to be quite frank, I was shocked by the reaction from some sides to the conflict and the silence from others. Do we have to have another death before some sides wake up to the reality that staying still is not an option and that sectarianism is never an option?

The British Government also has to wake up and care a little more about the peace process. Its position is simply not acceptable and not in line with the Good Friday Agreement. The parades and flags issue shows clearly that it is not focused enough. Turning a blind eye to sectarianism and violence is not acceptable and, above all, is bad politics. There can be no tolerance of sectarian violence. Mutual respect for all traditions is the only game in town and the only way for the future of this island of ours. We all want to empower citizens, North and South, to develop co-operation across all sections of society. The sectarian rants against the Irish language and culture seen recently should always be a no-go. I strongly challenge the leaders of the Orange Order, particularly in Belfast, to end this activity.

I know where I stand on these issues. I believe strongly in building a new Ireland of Catholic, Protestant, Jew, Muslim, other faiths and dissenter. We should all wise up and enjoy difference and diversity on the island. Two years from the 1916 Rising celebrations, we should all take a close look at what those involved stood for and worked towards. A divided country is always going to be weak and flawed. We need to work harder to end division on the island. It is not trendy anymore, in certain quarters and within the current establishment, but we always need to tackle division, sectarianism and the revisionism of Irish history that has taken place in the past ten years. It is important to remember the mistakes of history and learn from them. The division of this island was one of the major mistakes in Irish history and I will always work hard to end that division, no matter how unpopular it is to say this in some quarters, particularly in this House.

On a positive note, I welcome the Taoiseach's remark that he met the victims of Kingsmill, Dublin and Monaghan, the families of the disappeared and the widow of Pat Finucane. I was delighted last week when I saw him meeting the residents from Ballymurphy. They have been neglected and ignored for many years. All victims of the conflict have to be treated with respect. We cannot have a constant stream supporting one side or the other. All sides have to be respected and looked after.

I welcome the Taoiseach's remarks about sport, in which I am interested. He referred to the hosting of a high level conference on sport and sectarianism in November 2013 with involved participation by the GAA, the IFA and the IRFU. We should develop this initiative more on an all-island basis. There is an all-island rugby team. I do not see why we cannot have an all-island football team. In football, sectarianism is rampant. Like racism in other countries, we need to root it out.

I urge the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to give maximum priority to the Haass proposals. I welcome the leadership shown by the Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Mr. Martin McGuinness, and Deputy Gerry Adams and commend their efforts on conflict resolution. I urge all Deputies in this House to up their game and work hard to develop the peace process to build a new Ireland that is inclusive and respects all of its citizens.

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