In a speech to the Seanad Eireann yesterday, Mr Edward Haughey, Government spokesman on Northern Ireland, made an impassioned plea to leaders on both sides of the political divide in Northern Ireland.
Talking about the importance of the peace agreement currently being considered by both sides, Mr Haughey said: "For the sake of the people you represent, think and think again, because the alternative to this agreement, no matter what side you represent, is going to have consequences".
Mr Haughey sought to reassure the unionist community, saying it was "understandable that the Protestant people will be suspicious of any promises of those they have been diametrically opposed to for so long". While endorsing the unionists' right to seek guarantees, the senator reminded them of the reaction of both the Irish people and State to the Omagh bombing as an indication of the abhorrence of violence for political ends.