Alex White (Labour)

It was about time for a resignation in that sector. I have to say, without trespassing too far into a personal matter, that the resignation about which we heard this morning was particularly welcome for me.

As the Labour Party leader in this House, I ask the Cathaoirleach to allow me to briefly note the death in the past 24 hours of Dr. Conor Cruise O'Brien, who was a Member of the Seanad and the Dáil at various times. He made an enormous contribution to Irish life as a politician, diplomat and journalist. When I was a student of politics in the 1970s, I had to read Dr. Cruise O'Brien's book, States of Ireland. Along with other books that were published in that era, States of Ireland had a huge impact on the way we viewed our country, particularly in the context of the Northern crisis. While I did not agree with many of Dr. Cruise O'Brien's opinions, I cannot deny that as a politician and intellectual, he introduced a very high level of debate to Irish politics and public life. One had to raise one's game if one wanted to take him on or disagree with him. I convey my condolences and those of my party to Dr. Cruise O'Brien's family on his sad death.