Seanad debates

Wednesday, 4 July 2007

Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I support Senator Ryan's remarks about the release of Alan Johnston. It is a great landmark and a sign of hope that humanity triumphs every now and again. In regard to Hamas, I do not believe one can ask people to adopt electoral and democratic policies and then tell them one does not like the result. One must deal with that. A lesson one should draw from Northern Ireland is that it is necessary to draw people into the democratic process. It might not be perfect at the start. One might get them into the remedial stream but, ultimately, with a bit of luck, one gets them into mainstream politics. That should be the lesson for us all.

I, too, would like to be associated with the tributes to the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Seanad staff and all the Members with whom I have had the great pleasure and privilege of serving. The Taoiseach has done me a great honour and being allowed to serve in this way is a privilege I do not take lightly. Not only has it been a privilege, it has been a pleasure and I thank Members on all sides for the general courtesy and welcome that has been extended to me during my time here.

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