John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

It is important that all sides of the House agree to keep the situation in Iraq under review and that we discuss it openly. The House has a good tradition of bringing a balanced and informed view to bear on all matters of this nature. Although I made this point last week and it is a cliché, truth is the first casualty of war. This is clear in this case. We have reached the point where we wonder on whom we can rely to give us the truth in the news. From that point of view we are fortunate in having distinguished Irish correspondents out there. It is also unfortunate that the dissenting views of distinguished news-gatherers should cause them to resign or be fired from their jobs because they bring a different perspective to bear.