Shane Ross (Independent)

We have debated Northern Ireland in the House for many years. This particular debate, however, is taking place in a more mature atmosphere with people with whom one might disagree, but who are well qualified to talk on the subject. It is a great reflection on the House that such debates now take place in a calm atmosphere. It is indicative of the situation in the North because some years ago it would have been impossible to have such a debate in the House, as feelings ran high and irrational – certainly emotional – things were said by some on the subject.

Senator Maurice Hayes said that a majority of Unionists were against the Good Friday Agreement. Senator Norris spoke briefly about how he has tried to understand the Unionist community, as I have. That is not a particularly great boast to make, but we happen to have constituents – although unfortunately, a diminishing number – who are in touch with us. Their message is that they are disillusioned, upset and lost. It is amazing for us to contemplate the fact that 70% of Unionists – I think that is the figure Senator Hayes cited – are against an agreement which we see as a passport for peace. Voters here virtually voted unanimously for the Good Friday Agreement and if it was put to this part of the country again, it would be passed by over 90%, yet in Northern Ireland, for some reason, the Unionist community does not see it as a passport for peace at all. Our job is to try to understand the reason that is so. I think it is because they see such gaping flaws in the Agreement.