Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Where is this tolerance? We have failed as politicians to inculcate an acceptance of diversity and difference in our community. There is no longer any space for difference. I would like to have an understanding of this deficiency because we could then solve the other problems. We can remove all the stones from O'Connell Street but that will not deter those who wish to riot. To mention another tenet of Catholicism; once one has decided to do it, one has already committed the sin.

There is one important lesson we can learn from this. Although I hate discussing private conversations, I refer to a private discussion I had with the Minister two years ago on the importance of 1916. I repeat what I said then, namely, it should not be merely a military commemoration. Those who fought in the GPO were poets, trade unionists, socialists, grocers, merchant princes and so on. O'Rahilly, Ceannt, MacDonagh, Pearse — these were representatives of all sides of Irish life and should all be remembered.

On this day 84 years ago in the other House, a Fianna Fáil Deputy calumniated and detracted from the reputation of a decent RIC man who looked after Roger Casement in his hour of need in Tralee RIC barracks. This man, who had assisted in the foundation of the new Free State police force and was based in Boyle, County Roscommon, was destroyed on the record of this House. He did not survive the attack and had to leave the State, never to return. He was one of those decent Irish Catholic nationalists who were members of the RIC. My own county of Kerry gave more people to the RIC pro rata than any other county. We must remember that these people suffered for us. They were charged with imposing the law but were pulled in two directions at once. Many were in favour of home rule but still worked for the State as it was. They saw the change taking place in Westminster and wanted it implemented according to the law of the land.

There are many aspects of 1916 and of the events of last week that we must consider. I agree that 1916 should be commemorated and that the military should be involved. I would be very unhappy, however, if only the military were involved. That is not the intention of most people. We must reflect the Ireland that has developed since then in all its aspects. I defy anybody — although I see a historian, Senator Mansergh, in our midst — to define the various groups who were active in the rising, including Cumann na mBan, the Irish Volunteers and so on. Who can do so?

The changes that are required are attitudinal. Why do we in this country no longer understand that words are important? There is a difference between nationalism and republicanism and we must ensure people understand that difference. There are still people in Leinster House, not necessarily in this Chamber, who firmly believe that the words "cherish all the children of the nation equally" are contained somewhere in the Constitution. I met one such man, who was elected by the people, last month. He holds this belief despite the fact that his own party, along with every other party, has spent 80 years ensuring they never were included.

This is the time to show we have grown up, are tolerant, understand the importance of difference, and can reach out and provide space for those with different views. A pluralist society is not one where there is space for everybody. It is a place where the engagement between different groups is positive.