Part of the debate – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 13 Rhagfyr 1973.
Let it be said that it is not the Government's intention to allow the people of Northern Ireland to make this decision. We shall be lectured about the democratic process and no doubt we shall be told "You must do this and that. If you do not, you will not get any sympathy." The people of Northern Ireland are not looking for sympathy. They have got far beyond looking to this House or anybody else for sympathy. The people of Northern Ireland ask only to be treated the way that this country treats the rest of the United Kingdom. Let the people give their decision on this matter because this House has learned—perhaps it was long in learning—that one cannot successfully run any Government if a large section of the population is absolutely and totally opposed to it. It cannot be done.