Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Those who continue to label this process divisive and dangerous are simply encouraging the spread of fear and anxiety. It must be remembered that the majority of the people on this island voted in favour of the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to this island. This was an agreement based on international law. The union with Britain since 1998 is maintained as a result of a commitment to international law and majority consent. Britain is prepared to break international law and the consequences of this are that the Good Friday Agreement and peace on this island are fundamentally undermined.

The Good Friday Agreement provides that Irish reunification is a matter for the people of the island of Ireland. The right of self-determination has been given effect in the Irish Constitution and the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Reunification can be achieved through positive votes in concurrent referendums in both jurisdictions on the island. The votes should follow political and civic planning and preparation. Those eligible to vote in these referendums and everyone affected by the outcome must be clear about the constitutional, political, economic, social and cultural consequences in advance.

I am heartened by this motion, which highlights the importance of all states abiding by international law. However, I am confused by the protestations of some of our leading politicians regarding the breaking of international law when it affects Ireland, but are quite prepared to ignore breaches of international law when it comes to the rights of the Palestinian people.