Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is our first sitting since the UK elections and it would be remiss of us not to comment on them. Obviously, they have an impact not only on Ireland, but on Irish society and people North and South of the Border. It is important that at some future date the Leader makes provision for a strong debate in the House on the outcomes and consequences of that particular election. This is in the interests of the stability of our country in terms of Brexit and our relationship with our people in Northern Ireland as well.

I am sorry to see that two parties which I consider to be of the middle ground in the North of Ireland, namely, the SDLP and the Ulster Unionist Party, no longer have MPs in the House of Commons. They sacrificed their political futures some years ago in the interests of peace, and we should acknowledge that as representatives in this country. The SDLP is the party of Hume, Mallon, Durkan and McGrady and, as a representative in this country, I will always hold it in the highest of respect. I hope to see the day when the SDLP will return representatives again.

I also look forward to the day when political parties in the South, including my party, Fine Gael, run for election in the North of Ireland. It is something we need to debate seriously in this country. We need to look at putting up representatives there to bring some real politics to Northern Ireland and to represent people when elected in the various representative chambers. In that sense, I urge the parties of Northern Ireland to get around the table and form the Northern Ireland Executive to bring the representation and government that people so badly need as well as to bring stability to the entire island.

I wish to be associated with the tributes being paid to An Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, also. I have been honoured to serve with him since 1999, when I was first elected as a councillor. Over many years I have had the great honour to serve under him as a councillor, Senator, Deputy and Minister of State. I wish him the very best in his retirement. He is a man of the utmost integrity, a man of compassion and a man who has shown extraordinary stamina and vision through difficult times. I wish him and Fionnuala the very best in their retirement. I wish the same to the Minister, Deputy Michael Noonan.

There will be a changing of the guard in the coming days. We will have a new Taoiseach and I wish him well.