Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I join with my colleagues who called for a debate on Northern Ireland. Over the past few months, all of us asked that elections take place. The elections have taken place and the people have spoken. Regardless of our personal views on the result, it is the democratically expressed opinion of the people of Northern Ireland and we can have a constructive debate on it.

Will the Leader arrange an early debate on the recent announcement by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that there will be no spending limits in next year's local elections? It is strange that there are spending limits for general and European Parliament elections but that spending limits are not imposed in local elections. It is important the issue is addressed as thoroughly and quickly as possible.