However, there have been some shining lights in this disaster. I applaud the leadership of the Taoiseach and the Government. There comes a time in international relations when events need decisions which are sometimes difficult and unpalatable to make, yet that is what brings out leadership qualities. The Government made a collective decision in relation to the Shannon stop-over and overflights. The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, made what I regard as the political speech of his career. Those of us who heard it could not help but be moved by his conviction, whether one agreed. There were many passionate and committed contributions in the Dáil yesterday on both sides of the argument. As the Minister of State pointed out, they too are to be respected. I take the cue from a comment he made near the end of his speech, when he said, "This is not a time for recrimination or triumphalism. We must respect the freedom of speech which is guaranteed in this country but denied in Iraq."