Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

We owe an immense debt of gratitude to journalists who go to the trouble spots in the world and endeavour to give us the facts. I do not mean as embedded journalists with any of the protagonists but as a broadcasting service with a humanitarian role showing the world precisely what is happening. One example of that was the invasion of Iraq. Those of us who opposed and condemned that invasion from the very beginning could see it would end in disaster. The problem now is the humanitarian fall-out and the hundreds of thousands of people who are suffering as a result. For some reason, we are not getting the details or the facts in this regard.

Another difficulty with a huge humanitarian impact for so many people is the new Palestinian unity government. That government was on offer from day one following Hamas's success in the elections. However, because of outside interference and obstruction, it was not allowed to progress. What is now happening would be almost comical if it was not so serious. The American Administration has said it will negotiate and communicate with the Ministers of that government who come from the Fatah party but not with those who come from the Hamas party. That makes no sense. It is time for every democratic legislature in the world to cry out in horror at what is happening, apparently in the name of democracy. I am especially uncomfortable when I see that type of manipulation continue. I hope that even in the last days of this Seanad, there will be an opportunity to put our views on the record.