Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make one further point because the issue has cropped up. What has happened and what happens in Northern Ireland over the period around 12 July is horrific but it is nothing like what happened during the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. When one looks back and sees the constraints the Nationalist people have placed on themselves, the trouble is all coming from one side alone. Those of us who unfortunately experienced deaths in our families from Northern Ireland in those years now recognise what a changed place it is. I encourage as many Members as possible, during the next few weeks, to make sure they use Ireland as a whole, that is, to visit on holidays and to get to know people up North. I always have expressed doubt that those furthest from the Border seem to become more pro-partitionist and do not regard the North as part of our island. Members should make sure they use this summer as an opportunity to enhance the experience they have of an all-island Ireland and to get to know our friends and colleagues on both sides of the divide in Northern Ireland. While the 12 July weekend did not sound or look very good, compared with what happened in the past it has been a huge success.