Shane Ross (Independent)

I take up the suggestion that the Leader send a message of congratulations to Mr. Tony Blair but it should be more than a token message of congratulations. The Leader should take the opportunity to include a caveat on Sellafield. Senator Ryan raised this constant problem. We tend to throw shapes at this problem when a crisis arises or when there are difficulties or danger, but then we let it drop. It is a real issue in Anglo-Irish relations and this would be an opportune time for the Leader to express the concerns of this House. I also ask the Leader for a debate on that issue with the new Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The issue of Northern Ireland has been raised by several speakers today and all have stated how depressing the situation is. It is depressing to see the moderates in Northern Ireland pushed to one side but if we reflect on the positions of Mr. DavidTrimble and this House ten years ago we might see a bright side to the story. It would have been unthinkable ten, or perhaps 15, years ago that we would have deplored the defeat of Mr. Trimble. We would have thrown insults at him. It is a great credit to this House that we are doing this as we have moved a long way, and it is also a great credit to Mr. Trimble that he has made the sacrifice of which we approve.