David Norris (Independent)

If it is not necessary, I will simply add whatever little moral and intellectual value I have on this issue. I have a sheaf of letters from people who wrote to me stating that they bought on the understanding that they would not benefit by waiting. There is a moral obligation on the Government to backdate this measure to the time of that commitment. The Minister can engage in whatever political readjustments of his sentiment he feels necessary. I have a degree of sympathy for him because I clearly remember what was said in the budget. It may be subject to gloss, interpretation and so forth but I have no doubt where the Minister's heart and mind were at that point. I felt sympathy for him when the Taoiseach popped up at the Ard-Fheis and made mince meat out of his position. I am not alone in that. The Minister may think I am naive and inexpert in the English language——