Mary White (Fianna Fail)

The damage he has done to peace, international stability, the American economy and the United States abroad has been disastrous. The quicker he goes the better. The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, visited Brussels as a result of our Minister applying pressure regarding extraordinary rendition. This demonstrates our intention to deny any support for it. I find the argument on both sides strange. They do not seem to come together. Those who support flights and those who do not support them do not seem to come together and clarify that we do not support extraordinary rendition. The other side does not say, "We know you don't support rendition."

The issue of extraordinary rendition offered us an opportunity to be a leader on the international stage by pressing for the review and updating of the 1944 Chicago Convention, which governs the information given about flights. We should show initiative in this area, which is of concern to all European countries. I blame US President Bush for what is happening in Iraq and for international instability. It is too bad that it has seriously damaged the political legacy of the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. We could not have achieved the agreement reached last Monday without the support of Tony Blair. It is sad that this is his legacy because he has no other. His reputation is tarnished and damaged. Undoubtedly, the roles played by the Irish and British Government in the North are a role model for peace. Will people stop laughing when I am speaking?