Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

It is fair to say that Ireland has many needs and that there is much in regard to which we should be united in the context of the national recovery plan and possible amendments thereto. We clearly need a political debate on the choices facing this country in the lead up to the general election which will take place in the next few weeks or months. What we do not need is to allow the country to descend into chaos caused by people who believe a campaign of civil disobedience will somehow help turn around our economic plight. What did civil disobedience do for the workers in Greece? I imagine it did little. What did a campaign of civil disobedience on the streets of Paris and throughout France do for working people? It did nothing. Those who believe that a campaign of civil disobedience can help are from a different era. We often speak in this House of the need for new ideas, new beginnings and new politics. Civil disobedience is from a different time, place and society. It will cause nothing but harm.

In the next few weeks or, at maximum few months, we will all have an opportunity to put forward our views in regard to how our country should be run by way, not of a campaign of civil disobedience but a general election campaign. I hope that union representatives who are advocating a campaign of civil disobedience will reflect on the negative connotations of that type of worn out, claptrap ideology. They will have an opportunity during the general election to present their views and to advocate particular parties and candidates, which is a healthy way of bringing about democratic change. Anyone who suggests that civil disobedience is the only way forward is insulting democracy, political parties and the public. The public in a general election campaign can make up its mind about the future direction of this country. We do not need street protests. From an economic and social perspective, it is the last thing we should be talking about. I agree with my colleagues Senators Donohoe and Mooney on that matter.