John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election, Senator O'Rourke on becoming Leader of the House and my colleague, Senator Dardis, on his position as Deputy Leader. I look forward to working with them in the years ahead.

I wish to make a number of points about the forthcoming referendum to permit Ireland to ratify the Nice treaty. In June 2001 the electorate rejected the Nice treaty. The initial reaction in Dublin, Brussels and most of the capitals of the EU member states was of disbelief and shock – disbelief that Ireland, the economic model of development in the EU, had rejected the Nice treaty and shock regarding what to do next. There was no plan B. There still is no plan B.