Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The arrogance of the Government, however, will not allow it to listen to what we are saying. Many on this side of the House, particularly in my own party, do not have a fundamental problem with the ultimate decision that must be made. Our problem is the lack of consultation and the fact that this vote will take place on a day when other issues will dominate the debate — negative issues, particularly that of racism, will be to the fore. We have no personal problems with people on the other side of the House, but the integrity of every party here is being fundamentally examined. Is there a more fundamental human right than that of citizenship? Is it not the case that this debate should take place in the absence of confusion, ignorance and racism? The only way to do that is to show leadership: to put all those things aside and decide to hold the referendum in November or January or any other time. No major change will take place — there will not be an influx of millions into the country in the meantime. There will, however, be an opportunity for the Government to show leadership and concern and do its business on behalf of the people, especially by bringing everybody together. That is what this Government is failing to do.

What is now dominating the debate is the lack of concern, arrogance and ignorance of some people — I am not talking about those in the Oireachtas — who will drag this debate into a darker place. Their thoughts should not be given the benefit of expression. The Government must think again. It is not too late for the Taoiseach, Fianna Fáil and the PDs to show leadership and take the honourable course. They must listen to what we are saying and ensure this debate takes place in a cool, calm manner, which will not happen if things continue as they are.

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