David Norris (Independent)

-----the Taoiseach would have no choice but to call an election because the plug would effectively have been pulled on a Government in a state of collapse. A new Government would then be required.

On a new Government, it is important that is what we get. It is hoped in this regard that there will be generous support from those who will have to leave Government and from their supporters. What we need is unity.

I would like to raise a question that may appear peripheral and perhaps even of slight consequence, but I do not believe it is. Every year coming up to St. Patrick's Day, there is a row about people going on junkets, whether the country can afford it and so on. It is extremely important in these perilous financial times that we are represented abroad but the Government is in a state of collapse, it has no moral authority or mandate and the poll figures are devastating and likely to get worse. Would it not be appropriate to recommend that her excellency, Dr. Mary McAleese, our President, should represent Ireland in Washington on St. Patrick's Day? I would like the Leader to give an opinion on this.