Results 921-940 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Notwithstanding the mistakes that have been made, I appeal to everyone to unite for the good of the country. Senators will expect me to say this but I genuinely believe the Minister for Finance is a decent, honest, capable and competent man. Good will come out of his most recent decision. Senator Ross's view that the banks have been the victors may be correct. The banks have always been...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: As the fuel in the economic engine, they did not recognise the driver - the State - or the passengers on board. Once the State is inside the door, it will be possible to hold the banks accountable in future. Let us all work together to that end.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Feb 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Senator O'Toole generally makes much sense, and it is very difficult to disagree with him on most of the issues he raises. His contribution this morning is no exception. I agree with him fully on the focus he has put on Senator Doherty's report to the Oireachtas committee, of which I am a member. It was very well received because it was very comprehensive. I looked at the number of people...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Feb 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: ——is actually gone at the moment.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Feb 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Like public representatives throughout the world, President Obama has to deal with the reality of his office at a time of global recession.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Feb 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Over the next week, we should all start to embrace that reality. I will use the dreaded word by suggesting that we should work together in a patriotic fashion for the good of this country.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Feb 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: If that happens, we will have an opportunity to see a signpost for the future.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I welcome the measured and positive response from the Opposition to the news about the economy. We should not ignore this but use it as a base on which to build not just for the coming weeks but also in the coming days. We should listen carefully to what was said here. While the social partners may not be on board formally, they are in spirit. It is quite clear in the contributions from...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (29 Jan 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I have found the contributions so far from both sides of the House very helpful. A common thread has run through most of the contributions, which helps to underline our realisation that democracy is a very precious concept, although the implementation of democracy can be very delicate at times. There is a fair degree of unanimity on the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, which reminds us of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I echo Senator O'Toole's comments regarding the Eames-Bradley report on the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The two gentlemen involved in compiling this report played a central role in finding a resolution to the Troubles. Archbishop Eames in particular never received the credit he deserved for the role he played. When the Troubles were at their height, he came forward and spoke with a...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I commend Senator Butler on his contribution this morning which was rock solid and free of histrionics. This should be the guiding light at present; we have to be very practical and co-operatively focused. I welcome some of the comments from the Opposition. I believe there is a desire on everyone's part to be involved as a team in solving the current economic challenges. The more we can...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: If one wishes to see what this crisis looks like, I suggest one speaks to a young couple who have both lost their jobs and are faced with trying to repay a mortgage and then one will know what trauma means. If such a couple are listening to our debates and reading some of the headlines in the newspapers, they will know it is not realistic and it is not about achieving results. To some...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: ——as that is the cut and thrust of a democratic concept no matter where one goes.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: If the Taoiseach does not have vigour when he speaks, he will be criticised and when he speaks vigorously he is also criticised. I suggest we should get away from the body language and the cosmetics and instead let us get down to a pragmatic effort to solve the problems which we all know can be solved. I can sense the unity of purpose under the surface in this Chamber and I suggest we plug...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I support Senator Regan's calls for a debate on recent events in Gaza. The Seanad was in recess when these happened and we did not have the opportunity to express our views on them in the Chamber. There is no doubt there was palpable outrage at these events throughout Irish society which was particularly well reflected in the Irish media. For that, some Israeli spokespersons gave us a rap...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: If one studies world history, one will realise that in any part of the world where the electoral decision of a majority has not been accepted or crushed by another state the long-term result has been to prolong suffering. It is vital that George Mitchell ensures Hamas is brought into any negotiations that will take place. Israel may think its endeavours to wipe out the leadership of Hamas,...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Dec 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In the past few weeks RTE showed an excellent graphic, historically correct television programme regarding the plight of the Irish who had to flee Ireland because of the Famine and went to America. If they had remained in Ireland there is no doubt they would have endured unbearable suffering and death. When they arrived in America they were met with much hostility, bureaucracy and...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The decision to commemorate the first sitting of Dáil Eireann next month is to be welcomed. I hope it will not be confined to a joint meeting of the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is good in itself and will take place in an historic location. It should also be embraced by schools, the media and local communities. It is a reminder of the tenacity of the people and the manner in which we can...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: How must it be for people who realise that they are facing 35 years of mortgage repayments and do not have the wherewithal to do that? What about people who cannot look after the needs of the children in their own home? Surely this is what sovereignty and independence is all about. Can we do something, in addition to that joint meeting, to rally the people of Ireland and the diaspora to...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Report and Final Stages (11 Dec 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It has come home to me again today how alive and well religion is in Ireland. It is evident because two of the most animated discussions we have had here dealt with religion. The main issue, however, was the sale of mass cards in shops. We were all approached by several people about this practice and many Senators have raised the matter in the House. We also discussed misrepresentation...