Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

In that context, I must ask whether others have shown the requisite vigour in pursuing these matters. In particular, commentators who never asked the hard questions about an issue that was staring them in the face — since, as the Taoiseach said, all of this was in the public domain a number of years ago — should perhaps pause before condemning those among their colleagues who genuinely sought to educate public opinion in the manner envisaged for a free press by our Constitution.

I enjoy the wholehearted support of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the entire Government in the actions I am taking. I am calling on the responsible Members of this House, in turn, to acknowledge the propriety of each and every action I have taken. It would be a sad day for Ireland if any of my predecessors or successors, faced with the same situation, failed to act as I have done.

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