Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I join with others in welcoming the cancellation of the rally in favour of Mr. Nally. In doing so, the House must be mindful of some of the underlying difficulties which gave rise to the circumstances of that case. We should have a debate on this issue. A contributory factor to not tackling this issue is the hypocrisy of political correctness, and I would like the debate to be on that subject. Political correctness is gone mad. We need to arrest some of the move in that direction such that we will have political leadership and straight-talking from people on issues which give rise to certain problems within communities.

I concur with those who have condemned the use of chemical weapons in Iraq. A debate on Iraq is overdue. It is unconscionable that this would have arisen following the pretext for the invasion of Iraq which was to do with chemical weapons. The consequences of it and the example it gives are far reaching. I would like us to have a debate on Iraq as soon as possible.

I support the call for a debate on the west. I ask that the south east be included in that debate because we rank below the west in many economic development league tables.