Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I am glad to hear it. Senator Feighan referred to the nay sayers in the Government parties and Ministers speaking out of both sides of their mouth. I was not one of those Ministers and I am not clear to whom the Senator is referring but the responsibilities of office can be onerous. Before I was a Member of the Oireachtas, I had occasion to be here in the company of one of our most distinguished historians, now deceased, while certain political transactions were being made and I asked him what he thought of it. He said that the sheer sensation of the pressure was remarkable and that he now understood what was happening during the Treaty debates. When the pressure is on, it is difficult for politicians who must make decisions, but decisions were made and the Minister was loyally supported by his colleagues at all stages. Indeed, he had a vigorous debate with the membership of the party and it supported him on the matter. The decision was made and implemented. Any great national movement must have its internal debate. For a long time, Fianna Fáil was accused of not allowing internal debate but when we have it we are accused of talking out of the sides of our mouths. I will pass the kind wishes of Members on to the Minister.