Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

More importantly, ordinary communities throughout the country could say the same. I believe they feel that Deputy Bertie Ahern is an ordinary man who gave extraordinary service to this nation. I have no doubt history will record that as well. I agree with Senator O'Toole that towards the end of his term of office he should be invited to the Seanad to discuss the major issues with which he was engaged and promoted and in which he believed. I cannot think of anybody who had greater vision or greater tenacity than the Taoiseach. He was particularly gracious when he was confronted by antagonism, and that was one of his great strengths.

I wish to comment briefly on the Olympic Games and the treatment of the Tibetans by China. We saw with horror the terrible brutality exercised against people who were peacefully protesting. However, I am not sure that boycott is the answer in a case such as this. It would be like retreating to our bunkers. This House held debates during the blackest days in the history of Northern Ireland and against a background of terrible atrocities. Even at that time we continued to promote the concept of dialogue. If we wish to make a statement, we should not do so from our bunkers. We should, as is expected of legislators and politicians, confront the issues when the opportunity arises and do so directly with the people whom we consider to be the perpetrators. People disagreed with me the last time I made these points in the House but we have made some progress at opening dialogue where China is concerned. If we retrace our steps at this stage, we will not help global peace and I doubt that we will help Tibet. Much can be learned from the Northern Ireland situation. We must be consistent and persistent at all times. If we believe in what we are saying, the place to do that is where it matters.