Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I was waiting for the Senator to come in and huff and puff about the Antarctic Treaty so I was stretching it out. Senator Quinn's infectious enthusiasm is always a joy to hear. His own life experience was intriguing, his travels as a young man from Cobh on a boat across to Brussels, to the World Fair, the installation of Pope John XXIII and the changes in France. All those things happened in such a short time. Senator Quinn, although moving to senior status, is not exactly Methuselah yet. The point he made about the Irish enthusiasm has always been based on economic good. It is a challenge. He is absolutely correct. Recently, I was terribly disappointed in Killarney when I picked up a mean-spirited and anti-Irish leaflet which said we have to halt it all now because we will lose the goodies. We gain so much more by being part of Europe. The Irish characters I know love to celebrate. It is a character that is enthusiastic, open and generous.

Senator Quinn is correct that we have failed to elevate the debate. That issue was touched on also by Senator McDowell. It is not all about gravy trains. It is about ideals, principles and a dream for Europe. As Senator Lydon said, it is about creating a common place of peace in a troubled world where people can be assured of peace and progress and would be allowed to go ahead in an area of solid democracy.