Mary Henry (Independent)

When the Taoiseach came home from the recent EU summit, he was asked whether he supported the idea of setting up a European Union army to rival that of the USA. He said very clearly that he did not think it was a good idea to spend a great deal of money on arms. Will the Leader convey a message to the Taoiseach that we all support that view and that he should do everything he can to deter those leaders of other European countries who want to set up such an army?

Perhaps the Leader will send a message from the House to all those incredibly courageous reporters, cameramen and other journalists from the Irish media who are giving us such excellent reporting from Iraq. We are extraordinarily fortunate in being able to get such balanced reporting. Friends of mine visiting from America cannot believe the difference between the reporting in the Irish media and that in the American media. It is no wonder the war has 89% support, particularly when one bears in mind what is being broadcast on television – the medium from which most people there obtain their news.