Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

It is a national occasion. I will not repeat arguments already made on this side of the House. I also strongly endorse Senator Mooney's comments about the intolerable statement by the President of Iran. The Minister for Foreign Affairs should protest against what is an invitation to genocide and terrorism of every kind. Many of us have been critical of Israeli foreign policy. We have also been critical in this House of President Bush's foreign policy. However, we must be realistic. A clear message must be sent by the community of nations, including Ireland, that this type of statement is simply not acceptable. It is also an illustration of the dangers of theocratic government anywhere in the world.