Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I know. That is why I am trying to deal with the matter in a way that deals courteously with every contribution.

Senator Cummins referred to the discreditable tactics on the "No" side. I do not wish to single anyone out for a particular mention because every citizen in a democracy has an inalienable right to argue either side of any case. However, neither groups nor political parties have the right to distort the truth, mislead the public in a deliberate way nor to invent facts. Sadly, especially in the context of the previous speaker, that is precisely what we have seen in this country.