Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The power-sharing Executive that we have had in the North for the past number of years has not been about power-sharing. From a unionist point of view, it has been about power-dividing and about dividing up power and people.

That is what we want to end and we will stand firm to ensure this does end. Acht na Gaeilge and the other issues are about not just respect for the Irish language but respect for Irish identity. That is the key thing Acht na Gaeilge represents. Anyone who spends any time up there can understand this is what this is about and this is why we have stood so firm with regard to that.

The other issues that are still outstanding with regard to the talks in Northern Ireland are issues that make a big difference to ordinary people's lives - issues relating to rights. If people have rights in one part of this island, they should have rights in all parts of this island and we will stand firm to make sure this will happen.

We support the Independent Reporting Commission because it is one of the conclusions of an agreement that was put in place by all parties to the conflict, all parties in Northern Ireland and the British and Irish Governments, which have a responsibility to stand over it and make sure these things are put in place. If we are to move forward, Fianna Fáil and other political parties in this arena must realise that the old days of just throwing dirt around must end. We need to grow up and recognise that the Irish people have a future, their future is at stake and we cannot continue in this manner.

See this speech in context