Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Today is Armistice Day and I want to think about what unites us as Europeans, and what unites us on these two islands, in the commemoration of all who fought and died in World Wars, in all the theatres of battles, be it for king or kaiser, or for the small nation of Belgium or for the hope of freedom here at home in Ireland, or simply for wages to put food on the table.

Leaving the EU will be a time of realisation and adjustment for Britain, not alone in how long it can or will remain united as a kingdom, but equally, in how it can make a psychological place for and within itself after centuries of empire and generations as a member of the European Union.

On New Year's Eve, therefore, there will be a new political midnight and the people of the United Kingdom will be its children. Unfortunately for us, however, the people of the North of Ireland will be dragged out of EU against their expressed will but as neighbours, friends and, in so many cases, family, I wish the people of Britain well.

As the Minister will be aware, I am a proud and unrepentant united Irelander. I believe the island of Ireland should be united politically and socially as it is geographically, with freedom and respect for everyone of all faiths and none. Last night, in a sense, we had our own armistice here in this Chamber with Civil War politics calling it a day, or should I say a century, as the Soldiers of Destiny came rushing to the rescue of the leader of Fine Gael. For what, I have no idea, except to mirror the politics of the Tories and Mr. Boris Johnson to stay and sit on the benches opposite where power resides.

I believe standards matter, however, as we see in the victory of Mr. Joe Biden and Ms Kamala Harris in America and it is heartening to see the President-elect and Vice President-elect support the Good Friday Agreement. Standards matter too in the Internal Market Bill and its treatment in the House of Lords. That House moved to reject the controversial provisions of the Internal Market Bill approved by the House of Commons which will breach international law. This is its own worry now that the UK will also leave the European Court of Justice. The House of Lords voted to remove clause (42), which includes provisions on the North of Ireland protocol, and also clause (44), which should have overridden parts of the withdrawal agreement relating to the North of Ireland.

Standards matter because they allow dignity in doing what is right. Our argument is with the Tory Party's disrespect for international law and the European Court of Justice; it is not with the people of our neighbouring island. We respect their right to self-determination. It is a pity the Tories would not respect the right of self-determination and the vote of the people of the North to remain. I urge us all to look at this time to prepare for a referendum on Irish unity. The answer to this mess is staring us in the face.

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