Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Two individuals, John Hume and Seamus Mallon, have been outstanding in their support for peace over many decades. In the early days, they pioneered the engagement with the United States to develop a broad consensus in Congress, including key personnel who were then influential in American policy and thus influential for the peace process. They are two of our greatest heroes for peace. They stood against all sides and never compromised on their commitment to human rights, dignity and equality for all. Something official should be done to acknowledge their work. I am conscious that has happened in Washington in recent times as, for example, people have been honoured by the Ireland Fund. Would the Taoiseach consider that his visit to Washington might be a good opportunity to announce something in particular to acknowledge the work of two great constitutionalists, John Hume and Seamus Mallon?

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