I listened to many speakers and was interested in Senator McCarthy's comments about the United States. Recent events have provided an opportunity for certain people with anti-US views who generally have a left-wing perspective to take issue with and ridicule that country's foreign policy. It was highly inappropriate for Senator McCarthy to question and denigrate the decision of the Taoiseach who is a representative of the country, not just the Fianna Fáil Party, to meet the US President and present a bowl of shamrock to him in the traditional manner. Anybody who has ever visited the United States around St. Patrick's Day will agree that the celebrations provide a tremendous opportunity for Ireland to show its wares and goodwill and extend its influence in one of the world's leading economies.