Results 1,061-1,080 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In fairness to Senator Norris, I recall he was consistent and persistent on that issue. Last night I had the opportunity to host the Chinese ambassador at a function and I had the opportunity to discuss this issue. It struck me that this is what dialogue is about, namely, meeting representatives of the Chinese Republic. I do not regard myself as a major player or figure in Irish politics...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Apr 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I endorse Senator Feargal Quinn's views on the proposed boycott of the Olympic Games. I made a point on this yesterday morning. I do not believe this is the road to go. Those of us with a knowledge of China know it has made a great effort in recent years to open up to the rest of the world. I fully understand people's concerns, some of which I share, in respect of the treatment of Tibet...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Apr 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I was particularly impressed by the gracious tributes paid by Senator O'Toole to the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern. I genuinely believe the Senator, as in most cases, has his finger on the pulse of public opinion in this regard. During the debates this House held on Northern Ireland four or five years ago I recall saying that Deputy Bertie Ahern would stand out as one of the great...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Apr 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: More importantly, ordinary communities throughout the country could say the same. I believe they feel that Deputy Bertie Ahern is an ordinary man who gave extraordinary service to this nation. I have no doubt history will record that as well. I agree with Senator O'Toole that towards the end of his term of office he should be invited to the Seanad to discuss the major issues with which he...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Mar 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Yesterday I spoke to a member of the Garda Síochána who was disillusioned and discouraged. He was a very idealistic gentleman as most members of the force are. They see their role as serving the community and ensuring security for all of us but there is a feeling among them that because of a few bad apples — which are found in every walk of society — the whole force has been tarred...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Mar 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Tá sé soiléir le blianta anuas go bhfuil stádas faoi leith bainte amach ag an Gaeilge agus tá an grá agus an dea-thoil di le tabhairt faoi deara go forleathan ar fud na tíre. Chomh maith le sin, tá stádas oifigúil bainte amach ag an Gaeilge san Eoraip, tá reachtaíocht nua i bhfeidm anseo le cinntiú go mbeidh cothromaíocht ag an Ghaeilge agus tá na Gaelscoileanna, Raidió na...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Mar 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I support the call by Senator Cummins for a debate on Northern Ireland, as was mentioned on the Order of Business yesterday. Over the years we have had some very significant debates on this issue but they were permeated by a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. I wish Dr. Paisley well in his retirement. Over the years I found little to agree with in what he said but in latter times he...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I support the call for a debate on the Middle East because it seems to have gone off the radar for some considerable time. I recall a few years ago that the plight of the Palestinians would be discussed in the House regularly. We need to reactivate our concern in this regard. One of the reasons the Seanad always has had an interest in helping those in other countries less fortunate than...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I accept that. However, the general tone of the debate last night was not such that any efforts were made to use children as a target or otherwise. The debate will be helpful in future and Members should read the Official Report of the debate because I was particularly impressed by the sensitivities that were expressed and by the forward thinking that also was evident. I agree with Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: A very good debate was held last night on Senator Norris's Private Members' motion. Perhaps it is not useful to refer to a single small section of the debate because each section must be put in context and most Members spoke for eight minutes last night. I accept that perhaps Senator Norris's comments did not refer to my contribution——

Seanad: Civil Marriage: Motion (27 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I second the Government amendment. I do so having listened to an exceptionally measured contribution from the Minister. If that same speech were given 12 months or two years ago, I believe we would all feel relatively happy with it. However, the goalposts have obviously now changed, which is why the debate has taken a different turn. I was encouraged by the Taoiseach's statement in 2006...

Seanad: Civil Marriage: Motion (27 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In a way that diminishes the argument we are trying to make on behalf of same sex couples. It is not an issue of knowing what is happening in the bedroom. It is an issue of affection and of sharing lives together. If we are to go down that road, the issue of siblings needs to be brought to bear. I do not know at what age that should start or whatever the case might be. However, we must...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I agree with Senator Fitzgerald. We must express confidence in the tribunal, which was established by the Oireachtas and which is presided over by three eminent judges. However, we cannot demonstrate confidence in the tribunal if we do not allow it to do its work. We should await its findings before rushing to judgment.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: If we do not demonstrate confidence in the tribunal and if we peddle leaked information from it in order to rush to judgment, we are not respecting the concept of due process.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I have always felt that a sense of fair play and concern for human rights is synonymous with public service. People in public life are in a very privileged position. That is especially true of Members of the Oireachtas. I am sure we all measure carefully the consequences of what we say on the perception of the character of others. It seems to me, having listened to the debate for a long...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I have noticed in recent times——

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: If I could finish this point——

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Others were allowed to make their points.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: May I finish this point, a Chathaoirligh? Many journalists are now saying that there is no longer an appetite among the public for what is happening.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Never was it more evident than on "Questions and Answers" last night, when several speakers, most of them young, refused to make an anti-Taoiseach comment.