Eoghan Harris (Independent)

I made but a single point on the international dimension. It would be very wrong for Hamas and its Islamist allies to believe Ireland was a soft mark for their activities here. The Waterford attempt is a very disturbing development, and if one keeps up the hype and hysteria against Israel, one will create the impression around the world in middle-management terrorist groups that this island is some sort of soft touch regarding this activity. I am very glad the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has pointed this out. I strongly repeat my charge that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, is being very casual in his approach to his relationship with the democratic State of Israel.