Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I would like to speak about the heroic release last night of Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt after six years in captivity. This is an important day for democracy. Ms Betancourt was a candidate for the high office of President of Colombia when she was captured by FARC guerrillas and held captive in the jungle for six years. What she must have endured in that time, we can only imagine. Her composure and dignity on release is an example to us all. That Ms Betancourt could consider running for the presidency again is remarkable and shows her strength of spirit. I compliment the people here——