Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

This is true not just from a national point of view but the EU point of view. This will give a strong message to Mr. Mugabe and his regime and particularly the fellow member states that we wish to have an excellent relationship dealing with common issues on an equal basis but we also wish to highlight issues of human rights. On the basis that it is not an issue on which the House should divide, I appeal to the Members opposite. All of the other parties have indicated that it is best that the Taoiseach and the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Michéal Kitt, attend the conference. I appeal to Fine Gael. I do not know who is pulling the strings in Fine Gael since the last election. I do not make this as a political point — this House should not divide on this issue.

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