Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to follow up on the comment about the UK elections. There has been a seismic shift in what has happened. I pay tribute to Alasdair McDonnell, a good friend of mine and of this country, because I canvassed for him. He made a significant difference in Westminster. The SDLP have been close to us and, with Mark Durkan and Margaret Ritchie, I believe the party made a major difference. When I was Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of Good Friday Agreement they, along with Sinn Féin MPs, came down to attend the committee meetings on all occasions. Their voice in Westminster will be very much missed.

I also pay tribute to two Ulster Unionist former MPs, Danny Kinahan and Tom Elliott. The fought their corner but they were very measured.The results have changed. The DUP has 10 MPs and is working very closely with the Conservatives. This may be a good or a bad thing. We should not judge.

A nationalist voice from Northern Ireland, which represents the island of Ireland, is missing in Westminster. Sinn Féin has seven MPs and I respect their right not to attend Westminster. We have to fill the void. Perhaps it can be filled through the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly.

In my journeys to Westminster, I have noted the all-party group for the Irish in Britain. It comprises Members from the House of Lords and the House of Commons, mainly Labour Party representatives as well as many Conservative and SNP members. The group believes in advocating for all that is good for the island of Ireland and the UK.

Conor McGinn was re-elected. He is from Camlough, in County Armagh, and represents St. Helens North. He chairs the committee to which I referred. I urge the next Taoiseach, Deputy Leo Varadker, to consult widely with the group. It is a voice that we badly need. It is a voice of reason and one which brings the two countries together. It has been an interesting election. As somebody said, it is a case of needs must and we must work together even more now.