Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I will not labour the point but I support the points made by Senators O'Toole, Norris and Harris about Ministers who represent this country abroad. In this House, we need, as Senator Harris said, to stand up for ourselves and not always adopt the béal bocht. These are the Houses of Parliament. There are enough people out there, many of whom have never made a contribution to Irish life in any shape or form, who will snipe sneeringly at us.

I am impressed by Senator Norris, a man who will defend those who are poor. It is particularly laudable given his class background, about which he spoke, and the fact that VIP magazine voted him "man of style".