Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Yes. Does the Leader agree we should be able to get to a stage in Ireland where we can talk about remembering the fallen of the First World War? Pope John Paul II said war was always a defeat for humanity, and it is, but sometimes people go to war for pure and honourable motives, which is true of the thousands of Irishmen who fought in the First World War. It should be possible to remember them without feeling the need to mention immediately the men and women of 1916. It should be possible to honour them in their own right. That said, I do not think it is appropriate to engage in gestures that do not resonate with our traditions, such as adjourning this House. That is not a necessary response and takes symbolism to another extreme.