Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

The event will bring communities on both sides of the Border together in a way that has not happened to date. It is most significant that the launch of this great event in Stormont tomorrow evening will be celebrated by Dr. Ian Paisley, leaders of Sinn Féin and the other parties in the North, a member of the British royal family and Ministers from this jurisdiction.

We should have more confidence in our ability, on an all-island basis, to attract world-class international events to these shores. We need to consider what the rally will do for tourism in the north-west. All the hotels will be packed during the low season and the entire entertainment industry in the region will benefit.

It is timely that Senator Walsh and other Members should debate the merits of sport in bringing this entire island together. I refer to the role it can play in attracting world-class international events to Ireland, such as the World Rally Championship which starts in Belfast tomorrow and continues in the north-west region throughout the weekend.