Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Ba mhaith liom mo chuid ama a roinnt leis an Seanadóir Doherty, agus an Seanadóir Bacik. Níl aon ceannaire oifigiúil ag na Seanadóirí neamhspleácha, a Thaoisigh, mar sinn bíonn orainn am a roinnt.

I welcome the Taoiseach and thank him for his words. Whatever criticisms can be made of politicians where the management of economic matters in recent years is concerned, the Northern Irish peace process will be an enduring positive legacy for the Taoiseach's predecessor in particular, the Taoiseach himself, other members of the Government and political leaders on all sides of the House. This issue has united politicians over many years and people have been willing to make the necessary sacrifices and find a common voice. That voice is vital. At a time when we are reflecting on the back-sliding of a certain minority seeking to disrupt our delicate settlement, it is important that we all emphasise the need for a firm and moral commitment across all levels of society. Now that the bullet has been replaced by the ballot, no one who wants to go backwards should ever find comfort or support in any failure on the part of true democrats to call a spade a spade. For this reason, the unity of political voices is essential in facing down those who would seek to sow discord and regenerate chaos.

The Taoiseach rightly discussed peace being secured, but peace must be constantly resecured. It is vital that there be economic development to secure that peace. Politics has delivered peace, but eaten bread is soon forgotten. Now, we all must deliver prosperity and hope so that people who have been marginalised for many years will see the tangible improvement in their quality of life that is part of the fruit of peace. It is easy for elites to get on with one another. I had the good fortune of hosting-----