David Norris (Independent)

I am a little more careful. That brings the whole thing into some disrepute.

I would like a debate on the Middle East. There are some positive indications but they are extremely tentative and I am still concerned. I listened this morning to what was said by spokespersons for Mr. Sharon. They have agreed what appears to be a ceasefire, although they hedged around that, but there will be no further meetings until after the unilateral withdrawal by the Israelis. That is regrettable, particularly in light of remarks made by his people saying that they have put the peace process into formaldehyde. That is the kind of remark that is regularly quoted.

This weekend in the newspapers, a young American settler said there is a chance for peace when the Palestinians understand that Israel is for the Israeli people, period. She went on to say that Palestinians should not have the same rights but that they can choose to move away from the area. She said they can choose that not out of force but out of understanding that this is their land and they are going to decide the rules. Those are unfortunate remarks.

The situation in the health service is very worrying. It is always worrying when sick people are used as a weapon in a dispute. I do not care which side it is and I do not care if I lose votes from consultants because I believe they have quite a lot of explaining to do.