David Norris (Independent)

I thank all my colleagues who took part in this debate. It is a pity the Minister paid such a flying visit. I wish he had been here to listen to some of my comments and tried to answer them. He simply obfuscated. Questions were not answered, which was extremely disappointing.

I contrast this with the refreshingly honest, though sadly short, speech of Senator Mansergh because he understood exactly what I was getting at and said clearly and directly that what he felt was necessary for this country and others was a kind of realpolitik. Did I hear a slight variation? Was it echtpolitik? I thought he might have made that little distinction, which would, no doubt, be lost on many of our listeners. Senator Mansergh argued that its aim was to pursue the interests of the State.