Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

It is generally agreed that a good decision has been made to hold a referendum, which had been requested by all sides in this House, as well as among the public. As public representatives, three options are available to Members. First, they can stay quiet, keep their heads down and let others take the flak. Second, they can oppose it and feed on the anger which evidently exists. However, the third and most positive option is to support the referendum for the good of all the people and the good of the country. I do not wish to get into the area of scaremongering, which I am sure takes place on both sides. However, if Members deal only with the negative aspect of the present position, if they always work towards scoring political points and do not, for once, put their heads above the parapet, freely and independently, for the general good of all the people on this referendum, I certainly believe they will find themselves isolated to a large degree, which is not the case at present. I also believe this would do immense damage to Ireland's image internationally.