Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

None of us should underestimate the difficulties facing unionist leaders. Many of them are fundamentally opposed to a rights-based society, but rights and equality for everyone are good for everyone. As the Taoiseach said, Brexit will continue to cast a long shadow over Irish affairs for some time to come.

That has to be resisted and the rights of the people of the North upheld. It is self-evident that locally elected and accountable politicians are best placed to tackle this and the other social and economic issues and to defend public services such as health and housing. Those of us who want Irish unity also know that is the best way forward.

I again appeal to the Taoiseach to support this approach, as he is obliged to do under the Good Friday Agreement and other agreements and to ensure, in so far as he can, that the British Government and Prime Minister do likewise. I appeal for him not to allow party politics to interfere with this issue.

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