Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

We can draw on the many causes we have promoted down through the decades. In doing so, perhaps we can give guidance. We should be to the fore rather than acting when it is too late.

I asked a representative of the coalition Palestinian Government why Hamas was never mentioned in the meeting. Why was the democratically elected party and government not being recognised, even by its ambassadorial people abroad? We must break free from the strait jacket if the Seanad is to continue to play a meaningful role and if Ireland is, above all else, to continue to be an honest broker in international politics, which it is and has been respected as a result.

This strait jacket has been created by world powers to bring in all the smaller democracies. In fairness, Ireland has on many occasions stepped outside that strait jacket. If I had any wish for the future of this House, it would be that it would continue to be courageous in the manner in which it does so. It should also be central to all debates in the future, be ahead of the crowd and lead as we have done in the past.

As with other tributes from Members, I have always found the Leas-Chathaoirleach to be excellent in his role. He has always been tolerant, even on this occasion, allowing me to express myself on the Order of Business. I wish him and all my other colleagues the very best leading into the next election.