John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Several Opposition Senators have asked for a debate on Northern Ireland and it is important to state that their concerns are shared on this side of the House. The peace process is encountering difficulties and I am sure all Senators hope it will survive intact. Senators calling for a debate should bear in mind the nature of the crisis in the North as the future of the power-sharing Executive there will not become clear until next week.

This House has a fine record of debates on Northern Ireland; we remember in particular those debates to which the late Gordon Wilson and Senator Maurice Hayes contributed. A degree of expertise and a restrained and responsible tone have always been evident in such debates. Given the present circumstances, it might be no harm if time could be found for a debate next week rather than tomorrow.