Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I accept the Minister of State's point on the issue of compelling. However, staying silent at international level over fear of upsetting our neighbour, Britain, is not an option. Until 1997 Hong Kong was a British colony and many people are suggesting such a model as a solution for the Malvinas issue. I want the Labour Party through the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy Costello, to assert Ireland's independent foreign democratic peaceful policy that is at the core of the Labour Party and not to be excessively influenced by those in Europe connected with NATO and those in the Government connected with Fine Gael.

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