Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

It is particularly noteworthy and gratifying for all of us that Ireland is now acknowledged as a country which exports peace to other trouble spots in the world. The peacemakers are the only antidote to hostility and war. It may appear at times that they will not succeed and yet history shows us that they have been repeatedly successful simply because they are truthful and sincere and have an amazing human tenacity which enables them to stick with their task.

Fr. Alec Reid is an example of such a peacemaker. We are all aware of and it is important that we acknowledge the misrepresentation he has endured over the years. I am pleased that his native county of Tipperary is honouring him this year with the Tipperary Person of the Year Award. It would also be very welcome if Fr. Reid could be invited to address this House because he has so much to offer us. We have discussed the situation in Iraq, Northern Ireland and international difficulties.