Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Yesterday the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, used this House to make a very important statement on Northern Ireland. He said it was worth noting that most of the challenges facing North and South do not divide along Nationalist and Unionist lines. It was good to know that RTE at least recognised the Minister's use of this House this morning on the radio, as we do not always get the credit for some of the work that goes on here.

In regard to the challenges facing the economy, Senator O'Toole has received many comments about his contribution today. He spoke about the need for certainty, and although nobody could disagree with him on that, it is not always easy to achieve it. There are two other pertinent words. The need for honesty is very important, as is patriotism. For too long and too often we have said that somebody else should suffer pain and take the challenge. We want somebody else to do something, and not just with the economy. We have got into the habit of expecting somebody else to do things.

I was disappointed in the letter from congress because it called for five actions but only from the Government. Perhaps the congress will also call for other action as well. I am concerned that we may fudge the issue if we delay the required action so we must call for honesty. We achieved success in the few years after 1987 because we took the required steps and solved the problem quickly at that stage. We should not delay or fudge the matter. We should by all means look for certainty but we must also look for honesty and patriotism. That is what we must achieve ourselves rather than expect somebody else to achieve it for us.