Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I applaud and congratulate Members such as the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, and her colleagues on the other side of the House who have gone against this Bill. The only disappointment I have is that tomorrow, as a result of her actions tonight, I will no longer be able to refer to her as Minister of State. That is blatantly wrong. I appreciate when Members speak in this Chamber according to their consciences and from the heart, doing what they believe to be right instead of being dictated to by a party Whip. A very smart man once told me, “The wheel is always going around.” People will be remembered for voting with their consciences. Some Members will be giving up much for themselves because of their beliefs. They do not care what they are sacrificing for themselves. They are putting their principles before themselves, as well as the betterment of their political careers. It is good to see politicians put this issue and their views before their careers. This must be acknowledged and appreciated. I appreciate it because a politician who will not stand for something will fall for everything.

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