Garret Kelleher (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte mhór roimh an Aire Stáit agus an Tánaiste chuig an Seanad inniu. Táimid an-bhuíoch díobh as ucht a bheith anseo chun cúrsaí idirnáisiúnta agus trádála a phlé linn. Guímid gach rath orthu lena gcuid oibre don téarma Rialtais atá faoi lánseol anois.

I will speak about the importance of the basic concepts of co-operation and working together. In our local Tidy Towns group in Ballincollig, we speak about the importance of a bheith ag obair le chéile dá chéile and doing the best we can collectively for our community. As well as the spirit of the meitheal being important at a local level, it is every bit as important at national and indeed international levels. We are living through a time of increased global uncertainty, with escalations of conflict and war in many countries throughout the world. The fact that political leaders abroad and some at home seem intent on sowing division and pitting people in groups against one another for perceived political gain is regrettable and causes great concern.

I was heartened to read the Tánaiste's statement on the US tariffs announced yesterday evening and was delighted to see him reference unity with our EU partners as our greatest strength. The importance of diplomacy, soft power, negotiation, co-operation and working together to resolve conflict and disagreements and to develop and improve our trade links is as relevant today as it ever was. Ireland's greatest ever European, the late John Hume, often spoke of the importance of recognising and respecting our differences while working together. He cited the European Union as the best example in the history of the world of conflict resolution. Let us not forget the importance of continued co-operation and working together for the collective benefit of all.