Seanad debates

Thursday, 7 February 2013

12:00 pm

Photo of Paul BradfordPaul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We certainly had interesting political drama in Leinster House yesterday and the proceedings continued long into the night. Senator Mary White referred to the long session on 30 September 2008. On that night, perhaps through nobody's fault or everybody's, we entered a very long tunnel of economic despair. Let us hope last night's late sitting in the Houses will be the beginning of the exit from that dark tunnel. There is much work still to be done and the Government continues to negotiate. We wish all our negotiators well in these crucial days. We can, at least, look forward with some optimism on behalf of the people. We must congratulate everybody concerned. A united national effort is required. Had we known in 2008 what we now know, different decisions might have been made. However, most people entered into the spirit of national co-operation and we must expect and demand the same of all our political colleagues now.

Let me refer to what Senator Sean D. Barrett said about the Irish Parliamentary Party. His contribution was excellent and on a subject in which the Leader has a great interest. We should have an opportunity in this House to reflect further on it. That leads me to a point I have wished to make, despite the economic agenda having very much taken over.

It would be helpful if we had a debate on Northern Ireland in the next few weeks. Fortunately, the need the Seanad had ten or 15 years ago for almost weekly or monthly debates to discuss tragedies in Northern Ireland has passed, but there are still significant problems in the northern part of this country, from a political perspective, on which we need to reflect. Senators have different views on, and analysis of, the issue. I do not recall a debate on Northern Ireland in this Seanad and it would be helpful if we could set aside a few hours because, without abusing the term, all of the problems have not gone away and we still must play a part in the ongoing political dialogue between this House, Northern Ireland and London.

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