John Whelan (Labour)

Given that it is 29 February I wish to make a few proposals to the Leader. He will be reassured and comforted to know that none of them contains an offer of marriage.

Like Senator O'Brien, I welcome the EU referendum. It will clear the air on this issue once and for all. I and the Labour Party will vigorously support a "Yes" vote. To think that one can be half in and half out of the euro is akin to the concept of being sort of pregnant. It is just not possible. This is not about the Nice or Lisbon treaties, but about Ireland, our communities and our children, many of whom have been forced to emigrate. People might not like to hear this but I firmly believe that if Jack Lynch had not brought us into the then EEC in 1973, this country would still be a backwater.