Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Craughwell, Bacik, Richmond, Marshall, Feighan, Conway-Walsh, Mullen and Paddy Burke made reference to the issue of the documentary "Lost Lives" and the elections today in the UK and the North. I commend Senator Marshall on his proactivity last night. Senator Marshall and Senator Conway-Walsh made their points in the context of the futility of what happened and the human tragedy It is important to put on record that the human tragedy can never be underestimated. It is about building and binding communities in the North. That is why it is so important that we have a return to the institutions and get Stormont up and running as a matter of urgency. I appeal to those on all sides of the debate in the North to ensure that Stormont gets up and running and that a Government is put in place.

I remind Senator Mullen that 800,000 Irish people can vote today in the UK and that 1 million can vote in the North. It is a very important election in the context of Brexit. As I have said in the past, there is no good Brexit outcome for us no matter what happens. Democracy is precious. The Senator may well speak about the minimum amount of choice. I would encourage him to run as a candidate in the next general election-----