David Norris (Independent)

I welcome the fact that a number of my colleagues have spoken out about the intervention of the bishops. I deplore it. They are, of course, entitled to their view and to express it publicly but to attempt once again nakedly to intervene in the political process is deplorable. I was one of the founders of the Southern Ireland Civil Rights Association in 1970 which campaigned for full civil and human rights for Roman Catholics and Nationalists in Northern Ireland, particularly in employment and housing. It is really regrettable that their lordships should seek to intervene in this way. This morning I wrote to Cardinal Brady and offered to engage in a public debate with him. I have sent a copy of the letter to the director general of RTE. If the bishops want a public debate, I will be happy to give them one and ventilate all the issues involved. Can the Leader give us a clear timetable for this legislation? There appears to be some confusion between the Government parties.

Second, will the Leader ask his colleague, Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú to withdraw the disgraceful remarks he made about ten days ago in the House in which he compared the granting of civil and human rights to gay people in this country to the imposition of the penal laws? That was a most atrocious, grotesque and deliberate perversion of the truth. I say this with some authority. There was a Roman Catholic bishop in my family during the penal period and my mother's family suffered considerably. It is an outrage that anybody should attempt to use that analogy.

Yesterday, an attempt was made to interview me about Bloomsday outside the gates to this House. A group of the storm troopers barged into the photograph and attempted to shout me down. I nearly lost my eye due to one of their placards-----