Joe O'Toole (Independent)

As regards how matters are progressing in Northern Ireland, I have raised twice on recent occasions the importance of deepening cross-community involvement below political level. It is worth noting that last night the friendly football match between Linfield and Derry City passed off without any problems on the pitch. The only problems were outside. The officials of both clubs were delighted with the way it passed off on the pitch and with the importance of the event. It is an example of the type of issue that can be developed. An all-Ireland soccer league, which would be attractive if enough money was put into it, is the type of engagement we need to see taking place while there is a political lacuna of the type that exists at present.

Perhaps I am the only one who gets irritated when the term "republicanism" is sullied by being confused with murderers and raving nationalists of one type or another. It is time we reclaimed republicanism.