Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)

I suggest that Fine Gael invest in some training in political and social philosophy for some of the backbenchers. It might clarify the fact that they have joined a party which is centre-right and is gradually drifting further right. That is what their policies represent. The Deputies from Labour and Fine Gael have given some reasons to vote "Yes" but they have repeatedly stated there are no reasons to vote "No". Of course there are reasons to vote against the compact, although I am not here to advocate voting in such a way. There are reasons to vote "Yes" and equally there are reasons to vote "No". When the Government states there are no reasons to vote "No" but there are reasons to vote "Yes", it does a disservice to the Irish people.

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