Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to begin by acknowledging that yesterday was the first anniversary of the death of Martin McGuinness. My colleagues, Senator Conway-Walsh and Councillor Donnelly, are in Stormont today for the official unveiling of a portrait of Martin. I am sure it will be a very emotional event for all concerned. I am glad to say that people from all parties and traditions will be there. On Sunday, the chieftain's walk will make its way from Glenowen in Derry to An Grianáin in Donegal. It was a favourite walk of Martin's and will raise funds for the North West Cancer Centre, which is very appropriate given the weekend that is in it. I understand thousands are due to take part in the event and it is a very fitting tribute to our fallen leader and comrade. I find it hard to believe it has been a year since Martin passed away. So much has already been said about him. Suffice to say, his loss is still hugely felt, but equally we are determined to see his work through to a positive conclusion both in regard to the assembly and our wider project of a 32-county republic based on justice and fairness.

My second point is related. Like a number of Senators I have just attended a presentation by the McAnespie family. People from all parties were at the presentation which was very well attended. It is hard to talk about it. I admire the courage of the family, including Sean, Vincent, Aidan's brothers and his nephew, Brian Gormley. He was the most harassed man in Ireland, experiencing seven years of harassment twice a day before being gunned down. The description of the murder as an accidental discharge was nothing short of disgraceful. Even the PSNI historical enquiry team described it as the least likely version of what had happened. It is hard to believe that, 30 years on, the McAnespie family are still seeking justice. I say this in a non-party political way. We need the Crowley report to be published.