David Norris (Independent)

I join colleagues in calling for a debate on the impact on the economy of the disastrous strike by electricians. It seems there is an outbreak of catastrophic idiocy on both sides and a complete lack of understanding of the serious situation the nation faces. It is almost as if warfare broke out on the Titanic between the sailors and the orchestra over possession of the lifeboats while passengers were left to drown. It is time for the Government to intervene in this deplorable situation in whatever positive way it can.

I agree with Senator Fitzgerald and others who complained about the ordering of business in this House. We never seem to know on which days we will meet, for what hours and what we will discuss.