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Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

The intimidation comes from the paramilitaries attached to political parties other than those represented in the House. The hon. Lady’s constituency is more benign than those that most of us have the joy of representing. However, I am sure that she could find examples of such intimidation because it is not unknown in North Down, where sectarianism has raised its head on many occasions. I make my comments in that context. We want to acknowledge the Government’s efforts to tackle the problems. I recognise that Northern Ireland cannot be given exceptional treatment for ever, but I fear that the proposal to register donors’ details with the Electoral Commission when donations of more than £5,000 are made will, even with privacy provisions, deter many people from making donations. There is a further lead-in period to full compliance with the 2000 Act and we welcome that. However, we should like to believe that it was not set in stone and that, beyond October 2007 and 2010, the position would be re-examined in a practical way. We should consider how things have developed and changed in Northern Ireland to make it safe for people who want to support democracy through democratic political parties. We should ensure that they are given the protection that they need so that they, their families and their businesses will not be danger. We have not reached that point yet. I should like to believe that, before my time is over, we will reach it, but it has not yet happened. We acknowledge what the Government have done and what they have taken on board. We hope that the position will be re-examined in future.