Mary White (Fianna Fail)

We need an urgent debate to spark an all-island economy. In the past few years politicians on both sides took risks with their careers and their lives to consolidate and get a peace process in place. Sir David Varney is the spokesperson for Gordon Brown. I knew in my heart that Gordon Brown would not go for this. Tony Blair inferred he would do so. We need a passionate debate here on consolidating the peace process and supporting the politicians in the North to ensure they get a 12.5% corporation tax. That will ensure that when an investor in the United States or elsewhere in the world looks to this island they will see one tax rate. People living in the Border counties in Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan cross the Border into the North to do their work on a daily basis and, equally, there are people in the North who cross the Border into the South. It is ridiculous that the fiscal policy is so disjointed in both areas. I am determined in my lifetime to get a united Ireland. We must bed down the peace process. If people have jobs, that will satisfy them. The number one priority is for a person to have a job that will develop their potential and give them a first-class quality of life.

On the U-turn of the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith——