Successive Fine Gael Leaders and Taoisigh, W.T. Cosgrave, Richard Mulcahy, James Dillon, Liam Cosgrave, Garret Fitzgerald, Alan Dukes and John Bruton have followed this line. We have abjured Republican rhetoric as counter-productive to our ultimate objective. Over the years, and especially in recent years, this has been misrepresented by short-sighted opponents. Just as all the other Parties have moved to the position on Northern Ireland which we have always espoused, in due course they will move too to our language and sensitivity. This is even more relevant now given the scandals of the last decade.
Accountability is the foundation stone that ensures high standards.
I am a strong supporter of European Integration. I see the development of a strong common defence and security policy as an essential stage in this process. I welcome the prospect of a wider and deeper European Union. It is in our long-term national interest that the fruits of peace, prosperity and stability enjoyed by the Member States of the European Union is extended as soon as is feasible to the applicant countries. While great progress has been made in relation to Northern Ireland and Europe, a Just Society still eludes us.