Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I compliment Senators Frances Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Bacik and others on bringing to our notice the case of Íngrid Betancourt to which many of us were oblivious. It is worrying to know that the case has existed for five years because there was a brave person who was prepared to speak out against terrorism — as we should all do at all times. Senator Fitzgerald said that often a small act by parliamentarians can achieve major results. No doubt that we have made an impact on, and contributed to, the successful outcome of many of the human rights issues on which we have spoken here in the past ten years.

It is important not to distinguish between the human rights of one person and another. Many of us are hostages both to history and to political expediency. All the great powers have a pecking order for human rights versus national security, issues which are often difficult to reconcile.

When Senator Mary White went to Colombia I praised her as a remarkable lady because she demonstrated courage, independence and generosity of heart by funding that cause out of her own pocket. She monitored the case of the three Irish people held in questionable captivity there and was transparent and open at all times. At the time I compared her with Jimmy Carter who was also prepared to put his head above the parapet. I salute Senator Mary White and urge her to continue, although a human rights activist is always misrepresented.

On the wall of the Listowel Arms Hotel are photographs of a host of great writers, Bryan MacMahon, John B. Keane, Brendan Kennelly and others. I cannot think of any area that has a greater claim to be the literary capital of Ireland than Listowel.