Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

In recent weeks we have heard a great deal about patriotism and the foundation of the State. It is right and proper, therefore, that the House should react to what I can only describe as dark forces circling around the bastion of democracy. As always, Senator Donohoe encapsulated this feeling effectively. These darl forces should be condemned. The media have a responsibility in this regard. As I work with the media, this is not a media bashing exercise. A continuing litany of commentators on national radio and television are being allowed to express opinions that border on incitement. This creates an environment about which most ordinary and decent people are concerned. I do not doubt that those who march are sincere, but we need only consider the experience of the past year or 18 months, the most recent example being the students whose protest march in this city was hijacked by extreme forces who have no loyalty to the institutions of the State and are, in modern parlance, the nearest thing to anarchists. This must be a period for cool heads and wise words, particularly among political leaders and the political establishment. We must convey to middle Ireland, the majority of ordinary and decent people who are unquestionably angry and fearful concerning their children's future, that it is not well served by those who call people out onto the streets. Once they are called out, control is lost. It is important, therefore, that both Houses seek to ensure continuing loyalty and adherence to the democratic traditions built up over decades by successive Governments and other politicians. With the media, we have a duty to ensure that this will be a period of calm and that we will try to work our way through the crisis.