David Norris (Independent)

Let us have some good news. I wish to be the first to congratulate our colleague, Senator Shane Ross, on being awarded the distinction of business journalist of the year. This is unique among colleagues in the House. He has shown the genius of a great general in picking his subordinates, including Nick Webb who also won an award.

On the third anniversary of the seizure and disappearance of Gilad Shalit, will the Deputy Leader ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to use his skill in approaching leaders of the various Palestinian groups to see if his release can be secured?

With regard to the IMF and the economy, the record of the House will show that I suggested something very close to NAMA practically two months before the Government came up with it. I also suggested they would have to merge the banks and nationalise them. According to the IMF, I was right about NAMA, mergers and nationalisation. If the House wants a further prophesy, it is the system, stupid.