John Joseph Moakley: “As I rise on this St. Patrick's Day I think it only appropriate that we take this opportunity to double our efforts to…”

“As I rise on this St. Patrick's Day I think it only appropriate that we take this opportunity to double our efforts to help end the violence and division in Northern Ireland. On this day of celebrating all that is Irish, it is sad to watch so many people--our people--suffer the degradation of discrimination and the anguish of everyday violence. This year, however, we have reason to hope--to hope that a peaceful and united Ireland is within our reach. I believe we have reached a crossroads in this conflict and that it is our responsibility not to let this opportunity for peace slip away. The Downing Street declaration was certainly a historic moment in the history of this struggle and it is crucial that the impetus behind this agreement is not lost. I had the opportunity to speak with the great Irish statesman John Hume this past weekend. John has been fighting many years for a principle that many people are only just beginning to accept. He believes that lasting peace in Northern Ireland will never be achieved through the barrel of a gun--it will be achieved through negotiations. I happen to agree with him. That is what I want to push for; that is what I hope all of us in this room will demand--an end to the killing and an end to the violence.”