David Norris (Independent)

At least it is an offer I take seriously, as I take this House seriously.

It should not be just President McAleese. I had the pleasure and honour of, and I took pride in, seeing her address a few hundred hard boiled business people in Texas and she had them in the palm of her hand. That is the kind of thing we want. I do not care from what political complexion this comes but it would be appropriate if we are to engage in this exercise of sending emissaries abroad to bring much needed investment back that they should not just be drawn from the Government. Leading figures from the Opposition must and should be included. I will not name them because that would be invidious but we all know there are people who could represent the incoming Government and the Ireland that will rise from the ashes if they were sent abroad in this manner.