Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I join the other Senators in commenting on yesterday's development. It was one of the most historic events in the long and turbulent history of Ireland. We witnessed the laying aside of tags such as "nationalist" and "unionist" and their replacement with the common name of Irishmen and women. Nobody could fail to be struck by the unity of purpose evident in the statements of the two leaders which also manifested unity among communities. After all that we have heard and experienced over the years it was particularly edifying to see what might be regarded as two opposing leaders singing from the same hymn sheet. Party ideologies were left to one side and people became paramount once again.

There was a positive undertone in the edition of "Questions and Answers" broadcast from the North of Ireland. It was no longer a question of the South talking to the North or vice versa but of action on behalf of all communities. There is no doubt that we have a solid foundation on which to build and we should salute everyone, without singling anyone out, who over the decades contributed to that development.