Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I share with other Senators the relief that the country passed the Lisbon treaty referendum last weekend. As someone who was on the doorsteps, many people expressed concern about our defence and neutrality. I am somewhat concerned to read in Fionnan Sheahan's column in the Sunday Independent about the Taoiseach's support for a potential candidacy by Mr. Tony Blair. As someone who supported Mr. Tony Blair when he ran for leader of the Labour Party, I am aware of his many talents and appreciate the good work he did in the Northern Ireland peace process. However, the man brought his country to war on flawed evidence and without a UN mandate. I would like a debate about whether he is the type of person we want as president of the EU before the Taoiseach supports his candidacy.