David Norris (Independent)

I listened with great interest to five speeches all on the same side and, for a little bit of balance, I would like to say a few words. I regret that I had no idea my colleague on these benches, Senator Quinn, was so extraordinarily insensitive that he is not aware of how patronising his remarks were. He said we are lonely and left behind. For God's sake, it reminds me of Jimmy Saville at 2 a.m. on the BBC and shut-ins. I am not a shut-in. I am not the slightest bit lonely. I think I know as much about this as Senator Quinn because I have been working in this area. At one stage, there was a proposal in the Hirschfeld Centre, which was very well meant, to have a group called the lonely gay society. I thought, that will really copperfasten our lousy self-image. I do not like it. I do not like this nasty thing of trying to rub our noses in it and downgrade us. That is what Senator Quinn was doing and that is why I find it very difficult to entertain the warm feelings I previously did towards him. I say this in all honesty and with regret. However, that is a fact. I very strongly object to being patronised. If that is offensive, it is not half as offensive as what has been said in the House by various people.

This matter has been discussed already. It was discussed in the Title and I made my feelings clear on that. I hope we can dispose of it quickly and get rid of it.