Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP):“The end is not
yet and the best is yet to be,” is a benediction that any
Presbyterian on the Ulster Bench will welcome—even the Wee Frees
who have clambered on at the end. I welcome the White Paper that
the Secretary of State has produced today, in particular the
three chapters that refer to the Union, to strengthening the
relationship with the Republic of Ireland and to fighting and
combating terrorism. Is he familiar with the commentary of Dr Ray
Bassett, the former Irish ambassador and diplomat? He made it
clear that Ireland’s position should now be about forging a new
relationship with the United Kingdom, because the other 26 parts
of the EU do not really listen to Ireland.
The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr
David Davis): I am not familiar with that commentary,
but I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s view about the chapter on the
relationship with Ireland. One of the most important parts of the
last seven month’s preparation has been striking a relationship
with Ireland that ensures that we underpin the peace process,
maintain the stability of Northern Ireland, keep an open border,
and so on. It is incumbent on the British Government to be as
helpful as we can to the Irish Government because they are in the
most difficult position, so that is what we are doing.
