Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

On any occasion when we debate the peace process we all ensure we see the bigger picture. We must recognise that at times people must compromise their views, bite their tongues and stay silent on issues on which they wish to speak. This is a fundamental issue on how action should be taken. From time to time political sources mention the success of the South African peace process and how we should try to do the same. Of course, in South Africa all of the issues were brought to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Nothing was hidden under the cover of darkness. That is the route we should pursue if we want to bring finality to the problems of Northern Ireland.

The people who speak from the political wing for the people out of the country known as on-the-runs claim they did not commit crimes, and acted in the name of Ireland and Irish freedom. Heroes should not seek to return under cover of darkness and should not skulk home. I will not state they are proud of what they did, but if they feel what they did in the cause of Irish freedom as they would see it was so laudable they should not be afraid of coming forward. They should not seek a secret deal to return under cover of darkness.