Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I got a number of people in different electoral areas to question the Labour Party candidates who came to their doors on their views on this referendum. I have a miscellany of replies which were extremely interesting. Some candidates may count themselves fortunate that I do not have time to read them into the record.

I welcome Fine Gael's belated conversion. It is extremely foolish to allow itself to be dragged along in the slipstream of this tomfoolery. We have all heard of the Greek chorus. Far too often Fine Gael has allowed itself to be cast in the role of the "geek" chorus, like a brainless mutt chasing every bone that is thrown at it. My colleague, Deputy O'Donoghue, once accused Fine Gael of allowing itself to be carried on the alluring tide of populism. Now it cannot even work out which way the tide is flowing. Cynicism or confusion, real or imagined, can be contagious. I admit to being confused about how anybody who has witnessed the minuet of hypocrisy, sanctimonious posturing and fake indignation that has passed for opposition in this debate can wonder why cynicism has become almost institutionalised in politics here.

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