Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I pay tribute to the Taoiseach for his approach to Northern Ireland since the Government was formed. We support the shared-island approach. We have a duty in this Parliament to do whatever we can to support the Assembly and the democratic process in Northern Ireland.

I am a member of an all-island party, a party that rejects labels like unionist, nationalist, loyalist and republican. We reject the false binary that is written into Northern Irish politics, whereby Northern Ireland Assembly Members must choose to designate themselves as unionist or nationalist. The constitutional status of Northern Ireland does not divide the Green Party, and it should not divide society either.

We support the shared-island approach because we believe in common values such as decency, tolerance and respect.

From the linen mills of County Antrim to the clothing factories of Limerick city, we share a heritage of hard work and industry. My background as a mechanical engineer is informed by innovation driven by people like Harry Ferguson of County Down and John Holland of County Clare. As a rower in my youth, I competed with rowers from all over this island, including many from our great northern clubs. Together we went on to represent the island of Ireland. Some went on to represent Great Britain too, and I have celebrated their successes. We share this island with respect for our heritage and in the desire to work for a better future. We have much to learn from each other. We can start by respecting the democratic mandate of all those elected to serve while also recognising that the democratic mandate we hold does not absolve us from the obligation to listen to all views.

One year on from the New Decade, New Approach agreement, I urge that we make sure we are doing our part to ensure the provisions of the agreement are adequately resourced. This State has obligations to support commitments made under the agreement and we must make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure the institutions and provisions are properly resourced.

I have a deep love for this shared island of ours, its beautiful and rich landscapes and its diverse people, who continue to exert an enormous positive influence on the world. We have different traditions and identities on this island but that is not a weakness. It is a source of strength.

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