David Norris (Independent)

Senator Keaveney has asked that those who changed their minds on the Lisbon treaty be instructed to say why. I am one of those who did so. I was the first, or among the first, in this House to oppose, campaign and vote against the Lisbon treaty but I changed my mind because we had made substantial gains - we had retained the Commissioner and protected the tax regime. Most important, however, from my point of view approximately two weeks before the referendum was held I received a written undertaking from the Government, in the form of a letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, that Ireland would oppose any attempt to create a Europe-wide munitions industry for export and commit itself to continuing to highlight the human rights of civilians in areas of armed conflict. On balance, that was enough for me to change my mind and I make no apologies for campaigning against the first time and for this time.

The atmosphere outside the House today and on the airwaves is like that which preceded the French Revolution. We are regarded as self-centred, self-appointed aristocrats who are uncaring and disinterested. I fear the wheels of the tumbrils are beginning to turn. I am not going to open up the case of the Ceann Comhairle but I will offer this little piece of advice. There are a few elderly Senators such as I who remember when I made political charges against the then Cathaoirleach, charges which he was wise enough to know I could sustain. However, I was a little brat and people looked forward to the opportunity of putting me in my box. I was hauled before a very undemocratic committee of inquiry to which I said I would go but only if I were allowed to cross examine and introduce witnesses etc. The final point was that the Cathaoirleach could not be judge and jury. He could not sit in the chair during an investigation of his own conduct. I respectfully suggest to the Ceann Comhairle that he take the same decision because my view was sustained by the High Court. That was a legal precedent and the Ceann Comhairle would be most unwise to chair an inquiry into his own case.

On this matter, I disagree totally with Senator O'Sullivan about trying to charge large amounts of money to the press for freedom of information searches. These may be very uncomfortable for some of us - I am sure they are - and sometimes the facts are wildly misinterpreted by the journalists who seek them. However, they are perfectly entitled to make the searches and trying to charge them excessively for this is mean-spirited, against the freedom of the press and completely wrong.

I am very glad to see my colleague, Senator Ivana Bacik, in the House. I am torn because it grieves me that she is now on the Labour Party benches.