Ian Marshall (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It was a truly historic day and clear evidence that the electorate wanted clear representation for all, irrespective of cultural identity and not defined by historical identities. I listened with concern as unionist voters supporting Alliance Party candidates were described by one political leader as unionist with a small "u", implying that there were different ranks of unionism. I disagree with and take offence to this comment. Unionism is unionism and nationalism is nationalism, just as loyalism is loyalism and republicanism is republicanism. In 1959 Johnny Cash sang about "Forty Shades of Green". I suggest there have always been 40 shades of green. I also argue that there are 40 shades of orange, all with unique perspectives and points of difference, but unionism, nationalism, loyalism and republicanism have changed and are not as they were ten, 20, 50 or 100 years ago. They will change further. Politics needs to acknowledge and reflect this, rather than refer to old-style types and labels. If we need to take anything from what happened at the weekend, it is that the people of Ireland and the United Kingdom are ahead of their politicians. The new generation of voters will place higher demands on politicians and leaders to deliver on promises. As we conclude this round of elections, everybody has a responsibility to reflect on gains and losses, successes and failures and strive to work across both Houses of the Oireachtas to deliver security, peace and prosperity for all the people of Ireland, irrespective of their political affiliations or identity. People, parties and politics will change, but the business of government will go on and the important discussions on health, housing, education, agriculture, transport and climate will all endure.