Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)

Up until now we have been seen as impartial. For example, as Ms Maguire correctly said in respect of our peacekeeping troops in the Lebanon, we are not seen to be taking sides in a conflict. The fundamental change here is that when we disregard the requirement for a UN mandate, regardless of one's position on the veto of the Security Council, we are then taking sides. We are no longer taking a neutral position regarding a geopolitical conflict. That is the point I am making.