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Senator Mark Daly: I hope tomorrow we will see significant political developments in the North. I seek a debate on Irish unity and welcome the new publication by Dr. Richard Humphreys, Countdown to Unity: Debating Irish Reunification, which was launched by the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, yesterday. It sets out practical steps, a road map and a programme on how reunification can be achieved in a peaceful manner. Articles 2 and 3 of Bunreacht na hÉireann refer to the fact that the State’s objective is a peaceful reunification of the country, and Fianna Fáil’s principle has always been a united Ireland. To achieve unity it is incumbent upon us to explain to the Unionist community how a united island would be beneficial to us all. We must be aware that any changes necessary to create this one nation would require sacrifices, but the sacrifices would be insignificant compared to the sacrifices of previous generations. 

An Cathaoirleach: Is the Senator seeking a debate? 

Senator Mark Daly: I am, but I am also seeking a debate on the fact that at the same time we seek to unite we also divide. The electoral commission has again proposed that Leitrim should remain divided, despite the fact that 14,000 people signed a petition against it. The constituency commission got 327 submissions, of which 241 related to Leitrim alone. Senator John Ellis spoke many times in this House and throughout the country about the difficulties of being the sole Oireachtas Member from Leitrim, while the Oireachtas Members representing the Sligo, north Leitrim and Roscommon-South-Leitrim do an excellent job. As the Cathaoirleach is well aware, we all prefer to be represented by our own county men and at this 11th hour I ask the Leader to seek fair representation for County Leitrim and intervene on behalf of the people.