John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

We all are disappointed by the signals coming from the parties in Northern Ireland and, like Senator Ryan, we cling faintly to the hope that wiser heads may prevail. I share the view that it is important for the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister to set out the document on the progress made and the various settlements advanced.

It would be important for us to have a little time to reflect on all of these issues. Given the importance of the issue, I would recommend to the Leader that, despite the difficulties involved, she provide a short amount of time next week. Perhaps there would be statements from the leaders of the groups but it would be preferable to have wider-ranging statements on the matter.

The Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister are to be congratulated on their patience and on the amount of work they have done. It is not generally realised how much of their own political capital and time they have invested in these issues. That is a tribute to their dedication to trying to find a settlement and that needs to be acknowledged.

It would be easy at this stage to indulge in the blame game and I am trying hard not to do that, but it is difficult not to do so. I do not want to reduce everything to superficialities but if, looking back at the history books in 50 years time, people read that there was no settlement because of a failure to provide photographs, how could that be explained? That brings a new definition to the word "humiliation". As Senator Ryan correctly stated, far more humiliating things have done in the name of both loyalism and republicanism over 30 years. It is important that members of the public see what is going on and that they would be able to express their own judgment on these matters.