Shane Ross (Independent)

I thank Senator Tuffy for giving me a minute of her time. I will not dwell on the military situation, past or present, but I make a plea to the Government based on some of the views of Senators Tuffy and Maurice Hayes. When this is over, in so far as that is possible, the future of Iraq should be in the hands of the Iraqi people and not in the hands of the United States. That is not a judgment but there are already ominous signs in the past few days that the Iraqi people, not just the United Nations, will be bypassed.

The Government has been relatively silent on this issue and maybe with good reason. However, it has some influence on the United States because of the huge numbers of Americans who claim Irish ancestry and loyalty. Most Irish people have great reservations about or are actively hostile to the actions of the United States. The Government should warn the United States that this is the situation among those numbered as their greatest friends. That may not be possible without causing great difficulties but it can be done silently and behind closed doors. I do not expect the Government to tell us about this in an open forum, nor do I expect a response to this plea. However, there are diplomatic channels which can be used without making an exhibition of ourselves. I plead with the Government to make those views, which are almost unanimous in the Seanad, known to the United States Government in whatever way is open to it.