Ms McGuinness, MEP:

Apparently, I am not a Deputy yet. Mr. Coveney thanked the Members for the honour of speaking in the Seanad as it was his first time to be here. This is my first time to speak in either House and it is a particular honour for me. I am not sure I got the etiquette right but I hope I did. I am pleased to be in the House and apologise that I was not here earlier for the debate. Interestingly, I was speaking with Trócaire about many issues, including the European constitution, food policy and the millennium development goals.

Ms McGuinness, MEP:

For the sixth time this week I mentioned the constitution in a meeting. Whichever side one is on, the constitution will be won or lost in this manner. At every event we go to, it behoves us all to talk about the constitution and what it means to us. Either one is for it or against it. Despite that some people think no one is interested in this issue, others are incredibly interested if one engages with them and uses language that is not "European".