David Norris (Independent)

I support Senator Ormonde's comments. Although I was abroad in Cyprus, I watched it on television and was immensely proud, as were many of my Cypriot friends who watched it with me, of the colour, efficiency and dignity with which the whole ceremony was held.

With regard to electronic voting, I do not believe it was fraud on the part of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government but incompetence. Incompetence can be a resigning matter, particularly with the large amount of money involved. However, my distinguished friend, Senator Finucane, does not appear to know that much about business. As Senator Ross has said, and I agree with him, the sad fact is that in business if a managing director loses €52 million, he is usually given a bonus and shares.