Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

The House should welcome the decision of the vendor of a lock of Michael Collins' hair to withdraw it from auction and instead to donate it to the National Museum of Ireland. I commend General Collins' grand-niece, Mary Banotti, on her dignified campaign to that end. General Michael Collins and his comrades may have had their differences subsequently, but we have to acknowledge they gave their all for Ireland. I am convinced that they would want us to work together for the good of this country, while acknowledging our differences on political philosophy.