On October 31st, Senator Martin Mansergh, former Adviser on Northern Ireland to three Taoisigh, visited NUI, Galway, hosted by Cumann de Barra. Senator Mansergh began by emphasising the importance of the ratification of the Nice Treaty to the economic future of the country. He noted that Fianna F�ils success in the last general election meant that the party has been in office for twenty of the last twenty-five years. On the subject of the Peace Process, the Senator stated that Loyalists have not yet resorted to peaceful government, at a time where there has never been less of a threat from Republicans. He made the important distinction that while the Northern Institutions may currently be stalled, the peace process itself was not. Dr. Mansergh then elaborated on the different approaches of the Taoisigh whom he has advised, towards the process. He noted that Charles Haughey was responsible for the establishment of contacts that would later prove invaluable; Albert Reynolds had been prepared to take significant risks in order to further the process, while Bertie Ahern's main attribute was his ability to maintain lines of communication in all directions. At that point, the meeting was opened to the floor. In response to a question the Senator agreed that there appears to be general apathy among the public in the 26 counties towards the Northern situation, with most people more interested in other matters more directly related to them such as the economy. Senator Mansergh agreed in theory with the prospect of Fianna Fail organising on a 32 county basis, but warned that the party would have to be wary of hindering the efforts of the SDLP. He stated that the future of the Nation State was secure within the EC, noting that the budget of the EC is miniscule compared to those of individual states, and that all other European countries shared Ireland determination to retain their sovereignty. Finally, the senator rejected the notion that Fianna F�il ha moved to the right, claiming that the Taoiseach himself is a socialist, and that the party had always aligned themselves with the trade unions. |
| Senator Mansergh visits Cumann de Barra |
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