Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Many Members have correctly referred to language. Without any reflection on the contributions of other Members, Senators O'Rourke and Hayes have already brought their broad experience to bear on the debate.

We must consider the question of language as it relates to Sinn Féin. I share the view expressed by a number of Members about the manner in which Sinn Féin uses language. I have been involved in the area of broadcasting for some time and I am aware that there is constant criticism of interviewers on current affairs and political programmes with regard to why they do not get to the nub of a question when talking to Sinn Féin leaders who are constantly evasive in the replies they give. There is no doubt that Sinn Féin politicians must be schooled in their approach as in the past politicians in the Dáil and Seanad were taught to do at what was euphemistically termed the "Bunny Carr School of Communications". It used to be said of politicians here that, whether they appeared on radio or television, they all sounded the same.

I saw the programme on Ulster Television, to which Senator Norris referred, on which Bairbre de Brún was interviewed and there is no question that she was quite superb. However, when one analysed the interview, it was apparent that she did not answer the questions she was asked. This returns to what Senator Hayes said earlier, namely, that Sinn Féin must address the reality of language. While a particular statement might seem to members of that party to be a proper and appropriate response to make in the context of the Good Friday Agreement, common sense dictates the audience to whom they are addressing their remarks – I refer here not only to republicans and Nationalists but also to Unionists – do not believe them. I am concerned about this breakdown in trust, particularly in light of the fact that a recent opinion poll indicated that 54% or 55% of Unionists interviewed did not believe that it was right to share power with Nationalists.