David Norris (Independent)

I too welcome the President and compliment him on the remarkable way in which he commanded his material. Yesterday in the House we had a discussion on the way in which we run our business and we indicated that we thought it would be much better if people did not use notes or scripts. The President showed himself to be very much in command of everything he said and spoke with real conviction. I was delighted by that. I was also very pleased that he mentioned James Joyce. It was an arcane reference, but one that I know – the President got it nearly right. I am afraid that James Joyce was a bit of a Kerryman and when his friend asked him when would he go back to Ireland, he did not say, "I never left". He said, "Have I ever left it?"

I was one of those who had difficulties with the treaty because of the question of neutrality. When the treaty was debated in the House in the last session, I tabled an amendment almost identical to the Danish protocol. I was very concerned when that was rejected so I spoke, wrote and voted against the Nice treaty. I have now changed my position. I have written about that and will campaign on this very serious issue. Can the President give us an assurance that the combined effect of the legislative and constitutional moves the Government has taken, as well as the declaration, will have the same effect and impact in securing our independence from any future military action by the Union? It took a long time for me to reach this position because I did not feel the statement was enough in itself. I have now come to the conclusion that we are, on balance, protected. I would like further reassurance, if possible, from the President.