Seanad debates

Tuesday, 9 December 2003

Independent Monitoring Commission Bill 2003: Second Stage.

 

This could be my swan song in politics, but I will stick with it. I have given a commitment to people on both sides of the divide in the North, including the DUP, the UVF and republicans. I will help these people who need a political voice. I will put my heart and soul into this work because I totally oppose violence. I was asked at the beginning of the peace process to visit prisoners in the North. When the ceasefire broke down in 1994 I told the prisoners that I would not visit them again unless the ceasefire was restored. I will not help anyone who is not committed to peace, because it is not in my nature. I am totally opposed to violence but I believe we must have faith in the process. We will not get a perfect situation. Political leaders must be pragmatic and have courage and vision.

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