David Norris (Independent)

I am very grateful to Senator Fitzgerald for sharing his time. I must be at the transport committee in a few minutes and that is why I asked to speak at this point.

I believe in neutrality. It is possible to give certain definitions of it – the refusal to commit in advance to any military political bloc – and we are right to maintain this.

With regard to Shannon, as my colleague, Senator O'Toole, has just whispered in my ear, it is laughable in one sense to hear Fine Gael defending Shannon where they were against it and the Government doing the reverse. This is extraordinary.