Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

It is right for the House to acknowledge what happened yesterday in the North. It is a humbling experience to feel part of living history and be aware that what happened yesterday will probably form the last chapter of future history books on the peace process. What is significant about yesterday is that it is the ending of a partition of the mind, as inferred by Senator Maurice Hayes, in that two mindsets have mellowed to a point where they can now sit together. As the body language indicated, they are anxious and willing to work together.

I also agree with the points made about those who have contributed throughout the process, back to the late Charles Haughey. It is also right and proper, in referring to the late Senator Wilson, to mention the current representative from the North, Senator Maurice Hayes, who is such a modest man. He was a member of the Patten Commission and in his myriad other activities, including his excellent, regular articles, opened a window on the political thinking in the North.

There is the exciting prospect in store for someone coming from