I was very honoured by the Taoiseach's request that I act as party spokesperson on Northern Ireland in this House. In the period 1994 to mid-1997, when we were in opposition, I was given a number of roles on this issue which I was always glad to fulfil. There is not an Irishman or Irishwoman who does not have an abiding sense of history about what is happening on this island. Everyone, regardless of political party – in this respect I welcome Senator Brian Hayes's firm cross-party commitment to the process – wants the process to be given a fair wind.