Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Sensitive discussions are ongoing about what we hope will be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power from direct rule to an elected Assembly, which represents all the people of Northern Ireland. At such a time, the House should acknowledge the courageous and brave stand being taken by the people of Ukraine. In recent days, we have seen their protests against corruption and electoral fraud that has been documented and statistically proven by those who have observed the electoral process in that country. This issue is so important that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, should ask the Ukrainian ambassador, who I believe resides in London, to account for the electoral fraud that has been perpetrated in Ukraine.

As a member of the Council of Europe, I have watched in recent years as many former Soviet states have reverted to totalitarianism and authoritarianism. Fraud, corruption and abuse of power are rampant in such countries. Ukraine is seeking to become a member of the European Union. I oppose any engagement with the EU, at any level, on the part of Ukraine's administration, as it seems to be a puppet Government.