David Norris (Independent)

I am indicating a context forsomething I really want to say. A number of editors were asked a series of questions on the wireless today and not only did they continue to gloat in a most obscene manner, they went on to demand that this House and the Lower House pass Bills further weakening the position of individuals. It is not enough that the whole newspaper empire should crucify one individual, it now wants the libel laws weakened. I warn this House against such a thing.

This is the "sensitive" newspaper whichtelephoned me at home ten or 15 years ago to find out if I could confirm that I was dying of AIDS. Those are the kinds of people we are dealing with. I strongly advise this House to consider and reflect upon whether it should weaken the rights of the individual, including those in public life. An individual may have to take his or her chance in court, but he or she should not be bullied and crucified in this obscene manner when he or she is already distressed. It is absolutely outrageous.

Regarding the Immigration Bill, we as working politicians and representatives of the people should be aware of the kinds of things with which Irish citizens married to people from abroad have to put up. I received a letter from a woman in Kildare who, with her husband, has to report every so often, even though she is heavily pregnant and she faces abuse. In the same post I received a letter from somebody who signed it just "Mags" — in the usual courageous way — drawing my attention to a letter in The Irish Times which was anti immigration and saying: "Don't go pushing your opinions on everyone, we are all tired and sick of these people. Send home the freeloaders."