David Norris (Independent)

I thank all my colleagues who took part in this debate, which was extremely useful. It was a good debate on all sides, including that of the Minister of State, with whom I do not agree — I will say a few words about that later. This is precisely why I entered politics. As an Independent, non-Government Member I have the luxury of applying the litmus test of principle to Government actions. I know it is not always possible for the Government to act in a completely principled way; government is of its nature pragmatic from time to time. That is why it is important to have gadflies such as myself and others in the House to point out what the principle is and from where it is being diverged.

I thank my colleagues in Fine Gael for their strong support, particularly their spokesman Senator Cummins, but also all the other Senators who spoke, including Senators McFadden and Regan. It was, as I said, an extremely good debate. I am glad that Fine Gael also has another strong and amplified motion in the same area, which covers other aspects of the matter. It is interesting to note that the debate has revealed a left-right divide in my own ranks of Independents. I was supported by Senators O'Toole and Bacik; my colleagues Senators Ross, Mullen and Quinn declined to either sign the motion or support me this evening. That is a useful development, in my opinion. I wish there was more of it in Irish politics. I like the idea of a left-right divide and I am happy to place myself firmly on the left, even if that makes my supporters this evening in Fine Gael feel a little uncomfortable.