Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I thank Senator Norris for allowing me to share time. Ní neart go chur le chéile. The best way to translate that is there is no strength without co-operation. I fully believe the benefits we have received from Europe are those we cherish, those we value and those we wish to maintain. I have been fairly active in European affairs in recent years, especially with EuroCommerce. Through that organisation I met federalists for the first time, people who believe in a federal Europe. The real benefit we will gain from the Lisbon treaty is that we will avoid a federal Europe. This aspect has me in favour of the treaty.