Seanad debates

Tuesday, 27 March 2007

3:00 pm

Maurice Hayes (Independent)

Most of what I wanted to say has been said so there is no point reiterating it. However, from the standpoint of one who was born, grew up and lives in the North, and knows both communities from the inside, yesterday was a most moving day. What moved me more than anything else were the words of Dr. Paisley and Gerry Adams, the tone in which they were spoken, the things that were not said and the body language. For the first time, there was respect and a willingness to work together. In particular, I thought there was a willingness on the part of Dr. Paisley to put behind a terrible past. That was echoed by Mr. Adams. I hope people will be able to draw a line under the past. I regard this as a sort of relay race. While it is right to salute the people who breasted the tape, it is also right to remember the people who carried the baton through the years, even for a short distance. We should also remember the victims over all the years. I am glad to be here today to salute those who brought about this.

I know it is a fond hope, but I ask the Leader whether it is possible for the House to recognise and debate at some stage the report of the Oireachtas committee on the sponsorship of sports by alcohol related industries. This is the antithesis of sport and is something we should spend some time discussing.

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