Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

The subject of the American President is very topical this morning and it appears that President Bush will be re-elected. I wish him well. Exit polls indicated that moral values were the primary issue for people. In that context, anyone who watches the national channel in this country at weekends should ask themselves a question. It appears to have become acceptable not just for Irish comedians but for Irish actors to denigrate the church and to use four letter words as a natural form of expression. I wonder if our moral values are slipping. There is much concern about what our national channel is currently producing. I will make these views known at the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when we will have an opportunity to question representatives from the station. I would like people to reflect on what is happening in America which, to a degree, is reflected in the conservative community in this country which is becoming extremely concerned about what is taking place.