Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

When Sinn Féin decides to come in from the cold and get respectability within the body politic, it must stop masquerading. When Gerry Adams says he must find out what the IRA thinks it is as if the mirror is fogged and he asks the reflection what it thinks. People's minds are divided when Sinn Féin members and the people in charge speak, wondering whether they are expressing their own views or speaking on behalf of the IRA. Many people seem to know what the IRA wants to say.

I have often criticised the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in this House but I respect his intolerance for an agreement to which Sinn Féin or the IRA would sign up that did not define the criminality factor. Gerry Adams said it is clear what the IRA will do. If it is so clear, why does he not ask the IRA to sign up to it? Then we could move the peace process on.

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for his latitude. I apologise if I am emotional but certain thoughts from the past related to this debate returned to me.