Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

This can only be done if we show a firm commitment by attending. Abstaining will achieve nothing.

The fact is that 52 other African countries are attending and it is an opportunity for us to show solidarity with them. I certainly believe that this is more than just an informal little chat. It is about Ireland as a member of the EU joining with its EU partners in ensuring that we enter into dialogue with the other African countries and that we give a clear message to Mr. Mugabe that what is happening in that country is not acceptable to us in Ireland. A boycott of this event by Ireland will not benefit anyone and would certainly not benefit the other African countries. The summit will be historic because an EU-African strategy will be developed as a result. It is unfortunate that the President Mugabe issue has eclipsed the objective of the summit. Fine Gael is wrong in suggesting we should not be in attendance. Ireland is not just a tiny country in the corner of Europe — it is a member of the major European body. We have the same collective responsibility as any of the 26 member states who will attend. Ireland has a role to play and we have a clear message for Zimbabwe.

We can be proactive on trade issues. China is making inroads into trade with Zimbabwe. It is totally unscrupulous in how it deals with trade. Ireland has the opportunity to continue the trade Europe does but also to attach conditions. If we did not attend, President Mugabe would relish the thought that he had defeated the Europeans. He would regard our not turning up as a moral victory. We cannot allow him to do that. We must press home the fact that we reject the humanitarian issues, and that he starves half his people and exports badly needed food. By sending the Taoiseach, along with Prime Ministers of other European countries, we send a clear message, which is right.

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