Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

This is my first opportunity to make a contribution in the House. It is apt that we should have this chance to discuss the most important international conflict that has occurred for some time. It should be noted that in this small country of ours Members of Parliament are in a position to provide their independent views of the conflict in Libya.

Resolution 1973, which was passed just over one week ago, came about on foot of a unanimous vote of the ten members of the United Nations Security Council. All of us who are democrats and who are part of the broader democratic process must acknowledge that Ireland is a member of the United Nations. As a result, we must respect the decision-making process that has given to rise to a no-fly zone being established in the skies over Libya in recent days. It is important to note that the United Nations speaks collectively for many of the people on this planet. As other speakers indicated, there are many examples of instances where the international community delayed, dithered and did not come to people's assistance. Past inaction cannot be used as a means to justify not taking action now in respect of the conflict in Libya.

A great deal of nonsense has been uttered during this debate with regard to the role of the French, the Americans and the British. While we have difficulties - such as those relating to corporation tax and other matters - in the context of our relationship with the French, it is important to remember that France, Britain, the US and many other nations remain close friends of Ireland. A number of Members referred to President Sarkozy. It should be recalled that Ireland has far more in common with France than it has differences.

This debates highlights the importance of trying to bring about a resolution of this conflict for the people of Libya. There is great potential for trade between our countries. Until recently we were still hoping to restore live beef exports to Libya. There is also great potential for the Libyan people to live in a democratic society. Their counterparts in Ireland and Europe are very privileged to live in such a society. We must not hide from our responsibilities. We must step up to the plate and forgo the opportunity hide behind our country's neutrality, which allows us to be protected by greater powers in the European Union and further afield.

It must be acknowledged that Sinn Féin's stance in respect of Colonel Gadaffi and Libya is difficult to swallow. The Libyan people are entitled to democratic freedom. It must be remembered that there were strong links between Sinn Féin, the IRA and Libya in the past. In 1987, a vessel carrying an arms shipment from that country, which contained some 120 tonnes of weapons, was intercepted in the Bay of Biscay while en route to Northern Ireland. Members of Sinn Féin cannot speak in an independent fashion when it comes to discussing removing Colonel Gadaffi from his position as a dictator in Libya.

I wish the people of Libya well. It is not correct to state that they are not capable of overthrowing the dictatorship which has blighted their country on their own. We must wish them the very best in their struggle. The international community must act swiftly to end the conflict and put in place the kind of democratic freedoms we in Ireland take for granted.

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