Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join the three other Senators in condemning the burning of the flag of the Republic, election posters and a whole host of offensive material as part of the 11th night bonfires. I equally commend, however, the majority of people from both communities who allowed parades to pass off peacefully today. I particularly commend the people of Rossnowlagh, County Donegal, who hosted their annual parade on Saturday, welcoming Orange lodges from across the Republic and further afield to their quiet seaside town.

Despite being the grandson of an Orangeman, I very much consider myself to be a republican and patriotic Irishman. I am still very proud of my personal background and the insight it has given me into the wider traditions on our island, even when my jack-the-lad Tricolour shorts mysteriously vanished one morning before a visit to relations in Ballynahinch, County Down. I would love to see an Ireland of the future united peacefully in terms of commerce, sport, social inclusivity and mutual tolerance. However, I fear prioritising political unity, as has been suggested, without first focusing on reconciliation could be disastrous, alienating a population on this island, North and South, that I for one share a deep sense of common identity and history with. Put simply, I believe a united Ireland is currently not feasible while the economic and social costs are head-spinning.

We do, however, need to start urgently discussing the future of North-South relations. Accordingly, will the Leader schedule a serious debate in the House on the post-Brexit future of North-South relations, involving the relevant Ministers from the Government, as well as inviting Northern political, business, church and community leaders from across the political divide?Ultimately, far more unites us than divides us. We can hold these discussions in an open and sensitive manner without a rigid, preordained political goal. Let us at least start these discussions and necessary bilateral engagements that will be so important as we chart our shared future in a post-Brexit world.