Sean Barrett (Independent)

I endorse all the statements made by my colleagues. This is a marvellous time in British-Irish relations and the work of the interparliamentary body is to be commended by all sides of this House. When one thinks of some of the wonderful things that have happened, one could say the "Bull" Hayes was not the only person who shed a tear on that memorable day in Croke Park when God Save the Queen was sung before that wonderful match. The work of Mr. Seán Kelly to ensure this came about was magnificent.

When we think of parliamentary relations between Ireland and the UK, it is certain we sent some pretty good hitters over there - the Bantry Band, commemorated in the Leas-Chathaoirleach's home town, Edmund Burke, Daniel O'Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell, Henry Grattan and Edward Carson. We have really made a mark on the parliamentary institutions of the adjoining island. Any obstacles that exist in regard to trade and energy policy, which were noted by Senator Paul Coghlan, will, I am sure, be removed.

The Taoiseach spoke about our close links. It is a little over a year since the Queen's visit, which had a marvellous impact. Among my own constituents, many of whom live in England, I found it was probably one of the happiest days of their lives to see Her Majesty being received everywhere in Dublin, including in Trinity College, and it made them feel very proud of their associations with this country. They will be having a good outing this Saturday night at Twickenham, with two Irish teams in the sell-out European final fixture. This has brought Ireland to a place on the world stage which we have not seen the like of before.

The joint effort of the two communities to run the Derry-Londonderry City of Culture is a wonderful idea which I hope succeeds. I was grateful for the hospitality of Mr. Speaker Hay and Ms Sheila McLelland in Stormont, where the hospitality and friendship are wonderful.

Reference was made to President Higgins, who also hosted an event. One of the first invitations he received from outside the country was to give a lecture at the London School of Economics. Those contacts between universities mentioned by Senator Coghlan are continuing all the time and it is a wonderful era in that regard.

I welcome the appointment of Mr. Martin Naughton as president of the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce. It is hard to think of a better man to do that job, given he has had businesses on both sides of the Border and in the UK for a long time.

In my own constituency, in 1931, the college historical society asked Douglas Hyde whether he would become president of the society. He said he would, but on one condition, namely, that the society had to ask Edward Carson first. It was most interesting that the future President of Ireland nominated the leader of the Unionist Party to be head of a student discussion and debating society. We have recovered all of that spirit and camaraderie in recent times.

It was a wonderful idea to use this Chamber as the centre of the debates. One can only wish the work of the interparliamentary body every success and award to it and to the previous Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, to Mr. Tony Blair, who did such great work, and to the current leaders in Northern Ireland the thanks and appreciation of everybody here. While we have had our problems on the economic front, relations between the two countries and between North and South have never been better. Full credit to all concerned.