Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I reiterate your welcome, a Chathaoirligh, to our distinguished visitor who has spoken with great passion and commitment. I am very much aware of the sense of occasion and history on which we are about to embark. In that context, will Mr. Cox address what appears to be a democratic deficit? He referred both here and outside the House to "connections". It appears the 65% of our people who stayed at home last time did not connect. There is a deficit and it poses a very serious challenge.

The thrust of the current campaign of the "No" side appears to be changing towards suggesting that, contrary to what Mr. Cox outlined with such commitment, passion and eloquence, nothing will change for Ireland if we vote "No". Obviously, those of us committed to European integration and the European concept do not accept that. However, given his unique and pivotal position, will he once again state whether, in fact, anything will change if the result is "No" next week?