Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Lydon for sharing his time with Senator Mansergh and I. As time is limited, I will not go into historical issues, which have been well covered today. However, I wish to place on record my admiration for the stance of the Government on the Middle East through the years. In many ways, it has set the tone for a solution that must embrace peace and justice.

It is striking that we asked Hamas to embrace democracy, but when it did so and won the election, I was amazed that some world leaders indicated within 24 hours they would not accept the result. It is interesting that often in history, an opportunity appears but is lost in a short period. An opportunity was lost in the period after Hamas was elected. We must return to that position. The international community obviously has a significant obligation but has also been afforded a considerable opportunity to help in such a situation. Unfortunately, some world powers are having the opposite effect, the reasons for which are distant from the trouble zone. At times, the American Government, for example, tends to take a position that is not always understood and seems to be more about vested interests than the outcome of this situation.

It is interesting to see the words "peace process" on the agenda because we tend to associate them with Northern Ireland's problems. We have learned much from that situation and many similarities have been mentioned in this debate. However, as all Members accept, it is important to recognise that there is no justification for either suicide bombings or Israel's pre-emptive strikes, which aggravate matters.

The European Union's position in this regard has been unhelpful and it should have taken a much more independent stand internationally. There should be no question of withholding finance or of sanctions, which is not the road to take at present. I hope that once again, we will pull back from the brink.

Hamas has a double problem, as did the republican movement in the North of Ireland. While it must prove that it is capable of working within the democratic system, it must also prove that it can bring its followers with it. The worst possible outcome in the Middle East would be if Hamas was to lose its basic support and if a second group was to come into existence.