Vol. 450 No. 3
10 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Taoiseach his views on the proposed joint Unionist Forum; if, during his regular contacts with the Unionists, he will make known his views to them on the proposed joint Unionist Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4435/95]
I am aware that there has been some discussion about the development of a co-ordinated Unionist response to the Framework Document. However, the fact remains that an agreed settlement will require accommodation between the two traditions rather than consolidation within either. To that end, there is no meaningful long term alternative to a comprehensive process of dialogue involving representatives from the Unionist and Nationalist traditions. I, and indeed many others, have been using every appropriate opportunity to communicate that message to both communities. The reaction of the people in Northern Ireland to the Framework Document, as borne out in opinion polls, strongly points to a widespread public understanding there of the need for compromise on all sides.
I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. Does he regard the possible formation of a joint Unionist forum as a negative rather than a positive development? In his daily contacts with the Unionist community will he impress on them the need for their participation in all-party talks rather than for them to separate into one particular body? Will the Taoiseach accept that it is only when we sit across the table, eyeball to eyeball with people who hold opposite views, that we will realise whether people on both sides are prepared to compromise?
I agree very much with what Deputy Ahern has said. It is only when we talk with people with whom we disagree that we will make progress. It is very easy and reassuring to enter into dialogue with people with whom we are already in agreement. That is why it is important that we try, as we did with some, but not with enormous success, to widen the representation at the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation so that it would not be seen as a body simply consisting of Nationalists. We need to be challenged in our views just as much as Unionists need to be challenged in theirs. It would not be appropriate for me to tell the Unionist community what arrangements they should make. If they want to participate they are entirely free to do so and we will be happy to talk with them through any channel they discern is in their interest. It would be counterproductive if we were to go beyond making the general statement that at the end of the day it is the people with whom we disagree that we need to talk with rather than those with whom we already agree.
I wish to advise the House that we shall proceed to deal with priority question at 3.30 p.m.
In his contacts with them will the Taoiseach exhort the Unionist community to participate in the British-Irish inter-parliamentary body? To date they have refused to participate.
I will be happy to do that in any way I can. My view is that they should have participated in that body long ago. I will certainly avail of any opportunity to convey that view again.
