John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I call on the Leader to provide time for a debate on Iraq at the earliest opportunity, in light of the results of the recent election. The turnout and participation by the electorate was very high against all the odds, intimidation and threat. In that context I am reminded of a letter that appeared on the letters page of one newspaper which quoted from The New York Times in 1967. Reference was made to a high turnout, difficulties of participation and the fine result. That 1967 article referred to South Vietnam. While there has been a major change and a significant move forward in Iraq there are fraught times ahead and we should debate the matter in the House.