Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

It would be helpful to have a regular debate on Northern Ireland to discuss items of immediate concern. One such matter is the arrest yesterday of a high-profile republican in the North. As with many previous cases it seems to be as much about politics as about the pursuit of justice.

The man in question is a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly and comes from a high-profile sporting family, which is involved in the cultural and artistic life of the community. In pursuing people like Francie Brolly, we need to make sure we do not undo the progress we have made. This man should be allowed to return to his family and community because in recent years he has promoted good community relations and interaction across the traditions in Northern Ireland. He has been at the coalface of that work for a long time. The theatricals we saw yesterday in Northern Ireland do not help the peace process.