Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, agree with the view expressed by Senator Marshall that we need to treat a lot of the issues in Northern Ireland with sensitivity. The comments made by Karen Bradley in the House of Commons yesterday were insensitive, out of touch and caused hurt and offence. However, I recognise that she has said she will go back to the house and correct the record of the oral questions, which I welcome. When I consider what is happening in Westminster I realise that she is just listening to one voice. She is listening to the DUP and other MPs. A nationalist voice is missing from Westminster, that of the Sinn Féin MPs who are not taking up their seats. We lost three SDLP MPs as well. Mark Durkan, Alasdair McDonnell and Margaret Ritchie carried that moderate nationalist voice, which is missing. We must understand that without that voice comments will be made like those based on what Karen Bradley is listening to. She has caused a lot of hurt and pain to families but I acknowledge, and in politics we should acknowledge, that she has said she will correct the record of the house, which is welcome albeit late. Both here and in the Dáil we talk about British politicians not understanding Northern Ireland. A vast majority of politicians in this country have no clue what goes on in Northern Ireland and sometimes their statements cause hurt and offence. Maybe we must consider why this happens and be aware that in Westminster that nationalist voice, especially from Northern Ireland, is very much missing.