THE IRA must get no further concessions in the aftermath of the Manchester bombing. Mr John Dardis (Progressive Democrats), stressed in the Seanad yesterday. He said he was fed up with the republican movement getting concessions on the basis of the ceasefire and later following the Canary Wharf explosion. "I hope they will, get no more after Manchester.
Senators on all sides roundly condemned the Manchester attack. Some members referred to the ongoing efforts to negotiate a settlement and they expressed the hope that Orange parades would be conducted with restraint.
Leader of the House Mr Maurice Manning said he was sure all members would join with him in condemning last Saturday's bombing. While it was probably of no great consolation to the people of Manchester or to the Irish people living there, who might find themselves subject to attack or abuse as a result of the bombing, it was important that all parties, groups and individuals in this parliament were united in condemnation of that appalling and cowardly act, which did nothing for peace or reconciliation or for the cause of democracy.
Expressing his party's absolute condemnation, Fianna Fail Seanad leader Mr G.V. Wright said that but for the grace of God there would have been fatalities. He spoke for many thousands of parents who had the good fortune to visit Manchester regularly for Premier League soccer matches, whether at Maine Road or Old Trafford, where they were looked after.
Dr Mary Henry (Independent) said those involved in the Northern talks who were urging that there be no new outbreak of violence there should also ask the Ormange Order to ensure that its forthcoming marches were held in as dignified a manner as possible.
Mr Dardis said he had been quite sickened at the failure of Gerry Adams, in a British television interview, to condemn what had taken place. The Sinn Fein president had expressed his regret. "I am afraid his regret is not strong enough. It must be stronger than that."
Mr Dardis said he had recently called for a statement on Northern Ireland in the Seanad. There were very important sensitivities at present. "We would not want to do anything that would upset matters." But events in Manchester made it appropriate to have such statements on the North and the peace process generally. There was one very simple solution to all this. Mr Adams and his friends must announce a permanent ceasefire.
Ms Jan O'Sullivan (Lab) said that while thankfully no lives had been lost in Manchester, they had to be mindful of the implications for those who had been seriously injured, who with their families would have to live out the rest of their lives with dreadful injuries. One woman was said to have had 300 stitches in her face. Anyone with influence on the IRA must use it to get a permanent ceasefire. As parliamentarians, they must redouble their efforts to ensure that this was the last attack.
Mr Joe Sherlock (DL) said it was surprising that a small number of people who seemed to have no regard for public opinion should continue on this course. It was to be hoped that the perpetrators of the Manchester attack would be caught.
Mr Paddy McGowan (FF) said that half the population of Donegal lived in Manchester. The House must unite to condemn this dastardly act. He hoped the peace initiative and the current talks would succeed. There was no other hope.
Prof Joe Lee (Ind) said he unreservedly condemned the savage stupidity of the Manchester bombing. He supported Dr Henry's call in relation to Orange marches. In the light of last year's happenings, a request should be made that they be conducted with dignity and restraint. That need not be seen as a concession in the wake of Manchester. It should be done as a matter of course.
Mr Manning said he thought on balance they should have statements on Northern Ireland and he would see if this could be arranged. Important things needed to be said and certain questions were waiting to be answered. There was a suspension of credibility in Sinn Fein and its bona fides.