Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I join Senator Cummins in saluting the people of Limerick on the example they set for decent society. Despite knowing the risks involved, they took to the streets with dignity and courage with the aim of winning back the city for their community. I hope some way will be found for officialdom to identify with these people. Perhaps Uachtaráin na hÉireann could host them at the Áras or this House could invite in their leaders, including the courageous mayor of Limerick. They are seeking precisely these types of support and if we do not demonstrate our solidarity, the people against whom their protest was directed will believe we lack the courage or will to stand against the brutal gangs operating in this country. There was another innocent victim yesterday. When might our own turn come?

I learned a long time ago not to believe everything one reads in the newspapers. The debate this morning about not sitting yesterday pertained to a news story. We have not yet heard the facts of the matter. I have not seen some of these organs of the media protect or defend democratic structures in the past. If anything, they deliberately set out to undermine the confidence of the people in the democratic structures of this country. We should not give them any oxygen. I do not intend offence against the Members opposite when I make this point. Extreme views were expressed regarding the Leader without hearing his side of the story. In my time in this Chamber, I have never heard anybody accuse him of being unfair, of not doing a good job or of failing to represent this House with dignity. He has always been well received, so what has happened? We take a single story and we believe it despite the background of misrepresentation in order to take a cheap shot against the Leader.