Alex White (Labour)

I have respect for the Chair and for his ruling and we will all follow it. We all understand our position here and that we are covered by absolute privilege. We understand the responsibility given to us and we all, generally, observe that. My colleague, Senator Hannigan, said yesterday that he did not think Tony Blair should be made president of the European Union. Nobody in their right mind would suggest that Senator Hannigan cannot refer to Tony Blair. It would be beyond belief. With respect to the Cathaoirleach the ruling has been too generally articulated and must be revisited. I agree that we should protect people who cannot defend themselves, who cannot come in here or do not have a forum, from charges, but the rule that we cannot refer to or comment on people is too wide and will have to be revisited soon.