Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

It often seems that the small stories emerging from Northern Ireland are not important, but I think they are a real barometer of changing attitudes there. Such stories often highlight the essence of future conflict resolution. Like other speakers, I refer to the deal brokered regarding the Orange Order march in Derry next month. This could be a catalyst for breaking down barriers of misunderstanding and suspicion. Here we are getting behind the scare headlines and getting down to the community, which is where the foundations will be built and maintained for the peace process in the future. It is important that this opportunity is not lost. There is a chance here for community representatives of both traditions, including the police, media and all those involved in forming opinions, to use this opportunity to create a partnership to ensure we can look to it as a model for future development in other parts of the North in the coming months.

In the past, the marching season has very often had an influential impact of a disruptive nature on the peace process. We could have the opposite happening here, so we should not underestimate the significance of this deal. I hope we will all put a shoulder to the wheel and bring on board all people of goodwill to ensure we get the maximum benefit from the deal.