Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. I share his concern. Some politicians have the benefit of being viewed as political saints. It is not a designation that applies to me or most Members of this House, but it is a designation that was applied to Mr. Daniel Ortega, the President of Nicaragua. As the Minister is aware, Mr. Ortega came to power in 1979, was elected as President in 1984 and was viewed as the great liberator who brought freedom to Nicaragua and fought against the Contras.

That may have been the case at the time, but it now appears that he has unfortunately turned into a Ceauşescu-like dictator. Some of the measures that have been introduced in Nicaragua recently are matters of extreme concern, and should be for our Government and the EU. As the Minister mentioned, many opposition leaders have been imprisoned, including journalists and lawyers. It is also the case that a law has been introduced prohibiting anyone who is designated as a traitor from contesting the presidential election. What further action can the EU take in order to show our opposition to these actions?

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