Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

It is unfair of the Minister to suggest I am arguing for a position of splendid isolation. Far from it, it is a question of adequacy in what we are seeking to achieve. We differ regarding the construction of the consensus achieved. I share the Minister's view on stigmatisation, which is what we should seek in regard to those states which use the weapons in question. An issue arises as to the sufficiency of moral suasion to urge non-signatories to sign up to the convention.

Consider my view on foreign policy construction as a choice between idealism and the view that the following of interests should prevail. I have held a different view on this from others, including such distinguished ministerial predecessors as Dr. Garret FitzGerald. When the history of Irish policy is written, we will find policy has been more damaged by excessive concentration on interests than principles. We would note this in the history of the Department if we were considering the detailed history of the preparations for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and other treaties. There is a genuine difference but I am not arguing for splendid isolation, rather I am arguing for encouraging people to raise the bar. Those who argue against my position are more pessimistic in regard to the goodwill evident for the achievement of a general ban.

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