Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

More than a year ago, in another Chamber, I commended the newly launched East Belfast GAA Club. The club's crest depicts the Harland and Wolff cranes, a sunrise, a red hand, a shamrock and a thistle. The club's logo is written in English, Irish and Ulster Scots and states, "Together". I did not know when I commended the club that its first president was the Irish language activist, Linda Ervine, who people regard as having impeccable loyalist, unionist and Protestant credentials. Linda Ervine MBE is proud to be the first president of a club that has shown how sport can unify. She is a wise person and today she said that people should give the protocol a little time to be worked out. Do not pre-judge or pre-empt it or tear something down for the sake of narrow political gain when the people lose out. Just give it a chance. In a proverbial sense, and without being flippant, calm the jets.

We all know Ms Ervine's late brother-in-law, Mr. David Ervine, as having a courageous voice of peace and reconciliation. Once again, I commend the calm intelligence of putting people first as practised by Linda Ervine and so many others, which is what is needed in that part of this island at this politically delicate point in time. We need to hear lots of voices like Linda Ervine who plans to say an Irish prayer at a controversial event that is due to take place and concerns the foundation of Northern Ireland. Well done, Linda Ervine and well done to everyone who takes the middle ground thus putting people and peace first.