Mr. Joe McDonnell who was on hunger strike in the Maze prison died shortly after five o'clock this morning. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his widow whom I met last Friday, and to his family and friends as it must go out to the family and friends of every victim of the continuing violence in Northern Ireland.
Mr. McDonnell's death comes at a time when the work of the Irish Commission for Justice and Peace in providing the basis for a solution was at an advanced stage. A solution is more than ever necessary now to bring an end to the sad cycle of suffering and death in the Maze Prison. It is in the interests of Ireland that the tragedy of Joe McDonnell should not be used on any account or by any interest as an occasion to delay the finding of such a solution.
I have repeatedly said that a solution can be reached through a flexibility of approach which need not sacrifice any principle. The onus of responsibility for showing this flexibility rests on both sides and there has indeed been evidence over the past few days of a clearer and more widespread recognition of this fact. But the greater responsibility must, as always, rest on those with the greater power. We, for our part, have been in touch with the British authorities on many occasions to impress on them the need for an urgent solution. Indeed, I have been in direct contact with the British Prime Minister on the matter. The House will understand that I cannot say more at this critical moment. We will continue to do all we can to help in bringing an end to the dispute.
While efforts continue to find a solution, before further deaths occur, inside or outside the prison, I would urge that all concerned—and these number many throughout the length and breadth of Ireland—should do nothing to damage the interests or the good name of our country.
