Seanad debates

Tuesday, 9 December 2003

Independent Monitoring Commission Bill 2003: Second Stage.

 

I am pessimistic about the current situation. Both Governments have done everything in their power to work a way out of this situation. A great amount of time was spent in the discussions between Mr. Adams, Mr. Trimble and both Governments before the recent elections, but we are now in a difficult situation. No Member of the House should be naive enough to think that agreement will be found simply by wishing for it. This situation will require a great deal of political skill and savvy in the coming months and perhaps years if it is to be resolved. The Minister and his Government colleagues have the support of this side of the House, which wants the Agreement implemented. However, we need to know that the people we are dealing with are not moderates. Over the past five years, they have used all their political ability to sunder the Agreement. That situation needs to be recognised and not naively wished away as, unfortunately, some Members of the House still seek to do.

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