Seanad debates

Wednesday, 23 October 2002

Northern Ireland: Statements.

 

The Minister and other speakers noted that the Good Friday Agreement amounts to more than the Assembly. While I will not labour the point, it needs to be taken a little further. None of the sides is acting in a fully responsible manner. I accept the Unionist community is entitled to feel as it does about decommissioning, the alleged activities in Columbia and Florida and the alleged espionage in Stormont. There is no question these matters are important. Equally, Sinn Féin has not accepted the huge advances made in the area of policing. In view of the progress which has been made, it is unacceptable that it refuses to take its place on the Policing Board. I could make many similar points. However, while I understand the position of Unionists and accept their right to take their recent decision, possession of this right does not mean it is correct to use it. Their decision was wrong and they must now look beyond it.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.