Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Apropos the remarks in regard to the ending of the First World War at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, the anniversary of which occurs tomorrow, it is appropriate that this matter has been raised by Senator Cummins as he comes from the city always known as the Redmonite city. In that context I recall, as referred to by Senator Norris, being in the House when former Senator John Robb presented the poppy to the then Cathaoirleach. It was a particularly dramatic moment. However, I remind the House - I believe that in this regard I speak for all of my colleagues on this side of the House - that during the past 15 years and this new period of openness and respect for diverse traditions within this country it was the current Government and successive Fianna Fáil-led Governments that initiated reaching out to the Unionists under the Good Friday Agreement. For the first time ever, the President, along with the Queen of England and King of the Belgians, represented Ireland at Messines Ridge, the round tower of which was also financed by a Fianna Fáil-led Government. Any suggestion that Fianna Fáil did not embrace the reality of the traditions emanating from the First World War is false. I am sure Senator Norris will appreciate and acknowledge my point in that regard.