That past is still within our living memory, a time when neighbour helped neighbour, sharing what little they had out of necessity, as well as decency.

If we want to build up industries, we have to maintain a Customs barrier between the people of the 26 counties, and the people of the six.

The extent to which all people in our society are made to count, and believe that they count, is not just a measure of decency; it makes sound economic sense.

Aye, he needed a lesson in Irish history.

Arguments over grammar and style are often as fierce as those over IBM versus Mac, and as fruitless as Coke versus Pepsi and boxers versus briefs.

Neither would the employment of British troops be acceptable nor would they be likely to restore peaceful conditions, certainly not in the long term.

It is obvious that the RUC is no longer accepted as an impartial police force.

The Irish Government can no longer stand by and see innocent people injured and perhaps worse.

We have, therefore, directed the Irish Army authorities to have field hospitals established in County Donegal adjacent to Derry and at other points along the Border where they may be necessary.

People with disabilities have abilities too and that is what this course is all about – making sure those abilities blossom and shine so that all the dreams you have can come true.

Whatever changes the new era brings, whatever new pathways we take, I am sure that our special relationship with America – forged in adversity, will not change.

We are a vibrant first-world country, but we have a humbling third-world memory.