David Norris (Independent)

-----corporate donations and the nuanced nature of the Bill as reflected in some of these amendments. It is very important that there be transparency, and the role of the Standards in Public Office Commission is a crucial one. We have seen in America how the political system can be corrupted by massive corporations. Just look at the tobacco industry and the criminal activities in which it has been involved such as lobbying directly against the public interest. This Bill and these sections are welcome and the amendments will help to improve it.

With regard to the very interesting legal precedent put before the House by Senator Mullen on the question of whether corporations have a personality, which has a direct bearing on these issues, there was a very interesting argument during the Defamation Bill during which the then Minister argued that in fact they do indeed have a personality to the extent that they are allowed to take action for libel. I thought that was a very dangerous precedent at the time.

With regard to Emily's List, I would agree with him if it were bribery and they were saying as a corporation that they were giving the person money if he or she changed his view and voted corruptly. That is not what I understand, however. I understand they are supporting people who already have that point of view. Otherwise it would be wrong. I have no difficulty with them, as I have no difficulty with people supporting the groups calling themselves pro-life. I think that is all right.

We are in a curious situation. Of course the Minister is happy, smiling and indulgent. Why would he not be?