Brexit, Pride and North-South cooperation
Senators discussed behaviour at the European Parliament, respect for anthems, and then moved to Pride events, Belfast participation, and cross-community cooperation including the GAA and PSNI. The exchange stressed mutual respect and practical collaboration across the island.
Today saw the opening of the European Parliament, with many competing Members. There were protests by the British Liberal Democrat MEPs with their "B to Brexit" or "Stop Brexit" T-shirts. There was also a protest by the Catalan separatist movement. The most frustrating was the Brexit Party MEPs turning their backs to Beethoven's "Ode to Joy".
Comment on this
It shows a lack of respect to a piece of music that represents understanding and peace between member states. I believe they do not represent the British public.
Over the years we have paid huge respect to the British national anthem and all other national anthems, and vice versa. We would be very upset if such disrespect was shown to our national anthem. The "Ode to Joy" is not just for one state but for the Union. It is a huge disrespect for elected representatives to turn their backs when the anthem was played.
Senator Norris rightly referred to the Dublin Pride parade. Mention was also made of 600 civil servants, the Garda and the Prison Service. I wish to note that the Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI, participated in the parade.
Comment on this
The presence of the PSNI is very significant. I recall that two years ago the Garda and the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, attended the Pride parade in Belfast. These events have great significance for the island of Ireland and deserve to be acknowledged. I also wish to acknowledge the fact that the Sinn Féin Mayor of Belfast City Council, John Finucane, laid a wreath in memory of the Battle of the Somme. His gesture is very significant.
Comment on this
I acknowledge that people are prepared to put their heads above the parapet to state that there are two strands to our history.
A fortnight ago I was in Crossmaglen with the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly to conduct a survey on illicit smuggling. The GAA, the schools and the PSNI are doing a huge amount of work there as well, which should be welcomed. The GAA operates on a cross-community basis and does great work across the island. The GAA, along with politicians in all parties, have shown themselves to be leaders by ensuring that these little bits of co-operation move in the right direction. To me, they do so in order to have an agreed Ireland and to work between the island of Ireland and the UK and, indeed, Europe.