Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

We lost a great opportunity to create dialogue with people in the Muslim world when it was realised that they perceived that offence had been given. Instead of meeting and discussing the issue, people allowed attitudes to harden as further newspapers reprinted the cartoon. Evidently, some took the attitude that they did not want to engage with those who felt they had been offended. Like others who have referred to the situation of the Christian religion, I have often felt that many of us have been similarly offended by sections of the media but it seems to be no longer politically correct to question that.

It is also wrong to think that the media are necessarily 100% neutral in all these issues. Most sections of the media are owned by individual investors who have agendas of their own. Anyone who attempts to respond to those agendas and reports will quickly find that column inches will not be provided for a response. The media need to look at what freedom of expression means. I had always understood that down through the years freedom of expression has been practised in a positive way here in Ireland, with people recognising sensitivities. However, since the world and the media in Ireland have become very competitive, the boundaries and frontiers seem to have been continuously pushed, with less concern for the views of others. In that context it is now time to cry halt because the dangerous situation, which existed prior to recent events, has now been ignited and will be ignited further. As bad as it appears now, it has the potential to be far worse.

The House should show a sense of tolerance and understanding and ask people to pull back from the barricades, engage with each other, respect each other's views and religion and, above all, not feel that the media should have a sacrosanct right on these issues. Many Members of the House have criticised the media in the past. This is one case that is too serious and important and it must be challenged by every right thinking person. Otherwise, a serious world problem lies ahead of us.