Feargal Quinn (Independent)

The Taoiseach also said that they will "succeed in doing what St. Patrick did not do by bringing the water all over Ireland, and every other nonsense". These are the very words someone in his position should avoid. If we are going to have a debate on the treaty it needs to be logical. People on both sides of the debate are concerned about making the right decision.

A European in a senior position who I know has told me he had suffered for 40 years by having a "Big Brother" in Moscow looking after his country until they got their freedom. He told me he does not want a "Big Brother" in Brussels. He is using an expression I have heard used by enthusiastic Europeans who want to see the European ideal succeed. They want to have a logical debate on the treaty. Let us have this debate and avoid using terms which may close it down.