Donald M. Payne: “I rise in support of ending the sad state presently in the north of Ireland. This resolution goes to the heart of the…”

“I rise in support of ending the sad state presently in the north of Ireland. This resolution goes to the heart of the matter, and let me commend the sponsor and those who are supporting this great resolution. I had the distinct pleasure last Thursday of introducing Mr. Gerry Adams, the President of Sinn Fein, at my alma mater at Seton Hall, at the university where thousands came to hear his talk. It was sponsored by the School of Diplomacy at Seton Hall, and he went on to discuss what must be done. It will be 2 years this July since I visited the north of Ireland and had the opportunity to see for myself the violence and the killing associated with the Orange Order marchers in the village of Drumcree. I had the opportunity to stay in Belfast for several days and visited many towns, including Derry. Unfortunately, the situation today looks like a repeat of the past. Before July, the north of Ireland will host seven parades. While I think that having constructive dialogue concerning the composition and makeup or whether the members are independent and impartial of the Parade Commission is good, it is just not enough. The dismissal and rejection of John Larkin leads me to believe that this body is a unionist commission for the unionist people. How can an apprentice boy, an ex-UDA member, an ex-member of the Policy Authority, be independent and fair?”