Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I support the call for a debate on Iraq. This House was very much to the fore in debating different situations throughout the world and Iraq was always top of the agenda. Like most major items, it only remains on the agenda for a certain period of time yet there is so much taking place there at the moment. There should be a monitoring debate every so often on Iraq.

I support Senator Mansergh's view regarding the media reaction to public representatives. I was taken aback by the vitriolic attack on county councillors, who are easy prey at present. The manner in which they were referred to in this morning's edition of the Irish Independent is not right. I would like to repeat a point made by councillors themselves. They are very much at the coalface are appointed in consequence of a democratic system. No group of people in the country should be criticised because they are looking for improved conditions. The same principle applies to people in the media. It is time that Members spoke on behalf of those who do not have a national forum to respond to such attacks.