Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I support the requests for an ample debate on Northern Ireland next week because it is necessary. While we were very close to agreement and while not underestimating the importance of what remained to be agreed, it is important that people from all parties and the Governments do not draw back from what they have been prepared to agree. I was encouraged, for example, that the IRA interview in An Phoblacht yesterday exactly matched what was in the statements released by the Governments the previous day. It was not, as has happened in the past, promptly withdrawn from the table when no deal was reached. I was equally encouraged when Jeffrey Donaldson, on behalf of the DUP, confirmed that his party was sticking with what it had agreed on other fronts. It also behoves the Governments to stick to what they have been prepared to agree.

In the case of unpopular aspects, it may require a certain degree of discipline and backbone. However, I am encouraged. There has been admirable unity among Ministers sitting at the Cabinet table during difficult negotiations, which are not easy for anyone. We need to understand those considerations.