Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I too support my colleague Senator Finucane and other Senators in their remarks on the unfortunate developments that have taken place following the publication of the material in Danish newspapers. It is good to realise that we in Ireland are fortunate that our Muslim brethren are so balanced and understanding. We seem to be capable of developing a proper and correct multicultural society in this country, but it is a pity that others have not been as calm and tolerant about the situation.

Allied to that, I very much support Senator O'Toole's remarks on the unfortunate and unacceptable language of Dr. Paisley — perhaps better known as "Dr. No" because "No" is his favourite word — about the actions of our President. She has always shown appreciation and love for the part of the country that is Northern Ireland. Dr. Paisley's remarks show just how difficult it is, and how tenacious we must be in sticking at it, to make progress in the North. That man seems to have a wish to ensure that, as long as he is around, progress will not be made or at least that progress will be extremely difficult.