Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I reiterate the warm welcome to the Taoiseach and the honour he has brought on this House by coming before us. I am sure he will agree that there are few crumbs of comfort as we approach the end of the year in relation to Northern Ireland and North-South relations. The one glowing light is the good and improving relations between Britain and Ireland.

I must take issue with my friend and colleague, Senator Norris, who uses the words "leadership" and "Mr. Trimble" in the same sentence. What leadership was displayed by walking away from a working executive in which the devolved institutions were working well with politicians from all sides co-operating? Direct rule has replaced the Executive and the SDLP has set up a monitoring mechanism to ensure people are given their democratic rights.