Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I want to echo Senator Dan Boyle's comments on the publication of the Green Paper on local government reform, as it is timely for this to happen. In many respects local government has not been given its full potential. Many Governments over the years have added to the role of local government in various items of legislation. However, the time has come for a complete overview of local government and how it addresses the needs of the people it serves, especially with regard to the role of locally elected members. I am excited at the prospect that new town councils will possibly be created. There is a glaring need for this and I very much look forward to it.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the Taoiseach's role in the Good Friday Agreement because I was a Member of this House when it was signed. I recall speaking to the Taoiseach then — it was at the time his mother died. Nevertheless, he was there as the great facilitator and peacemaker, forever active in trying to find the middle ground, as indeed he did. Senator Butler is correct in saying the people of this island are united in their wish for peace.

One of the exciting aspects to being a Member of this House is the variety of professions and walks of life represented here. The composition of the Seanad under the Constitution provides for that.

One very noble profession for which I have a lot of time is the legal profession. It is a profession that ensures due process is afforded to all——