Alex White (Labour)

I agree with those who have said they hope to see an agreement reached tomorrow in the North. It is in everyone's interests that agreement be arrived at through negotiations and talks this week. As we view what is happening in the North, it is appropriate to note the passing this week of a great Irish public servant who did much to shape our policy towards the North, Mr. Paddy McKernan. It is important for the House to note the death of this great Irish public servant, a man of considerable erudition and culture. It is a great loss to Ireland and reminds of us of the importance of public servants in our system. People like him are, as some politicians know to their cost, broad-shouldered and independently-minded.

Having heard my alma mater being given such a hard time yesterday, I went there last night with Senator Ross to attend a meeting addressed by the world renowned economist Mr. Jeffrey Sachs. It was a most stimulating and interesting evening and reminded me that in all of the debates we needed about the future of the country and financial system, all of the old certainties had to be set aside, on the right and the left. Many of these issues require us to come back to the table to look at our own views and policies. It is a debate that, unfortunately, passes over our heads in this House. We must consider how we can, as an institution, insert ourselves in a meaningful way into the debates taking place across the country and the world.