Conor Murphy (Sinn Fein)

I concur with the views offered by Senators Fitzpatrick and McDowell on events in Palestine and the Middle East in general. Last weekend, two very important events coincidentally occurred which reflect the progress that has taken place with the constitutional debate on this country's future. On the one hand, the vision of a new, united Ireland was presented by the former Taoiseach and former leader of Fine Gael, Leo Varadkar, was presented at an event in St. Mary's University College, jointly organised by Ireland's Future and Féile an Phobail. On the other, a vision of the future was presented by Mr. Wallace Thompson in an interview with Denzil McDaniel in last Saturday's Irish News. Wallace Thompson is a founding member of the DUP and was an ardent supporter of the DUP leader, Ian Paisley. He has worked closely with DUP politicians and was a special advisor and speech writer. He is also an influential figure in evangelical Protestantism.

I commend both Leo Varadkar and Wallace Thompson on their comments. Both have commented and spoken previously on the issue of a new Ireland and the potential for constitutional change. As before, there was a freshness, energy, openness and optimism in their remarks. At the centre of their views was a call for direct engagement by all those with influence who can inject additional momentum into the debates, the Irish Government and the main unionist parties in particular. Leo Varadkar specifically mentioned the setting up of a forum for parties interested in talking about unity. He hoped that at some point in this term of Government, that decision will be taken. He also said that building a new Ireland is the next step on a national journey and the project belongs to all who believe in it. Wallace Thompson also mentioned the importance of dialogue. He said there needs to be an internal discussion and a reaching out; it is a time for conversation. He went on to say the people from his community are not wanted by Britain.

In recent years, the Seanad and the Dáil, through the Good Friday Agreement, have demonstrated the central role they have to play in promoting and advancing the debate around constitutional change and the special place the unionist and Protestant community have in that debate. Last year, the Good Friday Agreement committee published two comprehensive reports dealing with women, finance and economics in the transition to a new, united Ireland. These reports are an invaluable source of credible research which are helping to shape the new Ireland debate, as are the remarks of Leo Varadkar and Wallace Thompson.

I ask the Deputy Leader to reflect those remarks to the Government and ask for it to take serious action on supporting the preparation for the discussion on constitutional change. I also welcome the vote in the Dáil last night on extending voting rights to Irish citizens beyond this State in presidential elections. That was something which was recommended some 14 years ago and has yet to be acted on by various Governments since then. I would welcome, as would many citizens, particularly those of us living north of the Border, movement on this in the very near future.