Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second Senator Darragh O'Brien's amendment.
It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge last night's historic event in Windsor Castle, which will undoubtedly pave the way for further momentous events. The biggest beneficiaries of the event will be the younger generation, including the young people from Sallynoggin College of Further Education and their teachers, Lillian Doyle and Siobhán Murphy, led by an iconic young man, Ben Stafford, who is my intern. They are sitting in the Gallery today. These young people and their colleagues are great ambassadors for the youth of Ireland and will share in the bounty of this peace process for years to come.
In the words of President Higgins, his momentous visit to Windsor Castle shows that we are finally walking towards a brighter future, remembering our past but no longer allowing it to ensnare our present. This is the greatest gift we can give to succeeding generations. All citizens, young and old, have a contribution to make to society. Their age does not matter; what counts is the passion and commitment they have for their work and for other people. I acknowledge the age of three of the most momentous people working in our society today. President Higgins will be 73 shortly; the revolutionary Pope Francis is 77; and Queen Elizabeth is 87. That speaks for itself. None of these iconic figures allows age to impact on their work. They realise that passion and commitment are all that matter. As John Fitzgerald Kennedy said in his inauguration address: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." This applies to those of all ages.
I acknowledge the presence in the Gallery of Miriam McHale, who has the courage to stand for election in the city.
I am very pleased that the Deputy First Minister in the North is on the front page of The Daily Telegraphtoday. It shows how far we have come that the Queen of England invited the Deputy First Minister, Mr. Martin McGuinness, MLA. The first time I met Deputy Adams was at dinner with the former President, Mrs. McAleese, many years ago when I was chairwoman of the Gaisce awards. We have come full circle. I acknowledge Deputy Ó Cuív, who is a hero as far as I am concerned. He and I are part of the cross-party group visiting prisoners in the North, trying to maintain the peace and look after their interests. If the prisoners are not treated humanely, it will arouse passions outside.