David Norris (Independent)

Does the Leader agree that we are very honoured that the Irish chief of the human rights agency in Gaza, UNRWA, Mr. John Ging, has taken up a very important post with the United Nations in the US? This man has done us an extraordinary honour in his courageous and dignified work in a very difficult position in Gaza.

Speaking about courage and dignity, I have watched with great interest the leadership contest that has gone on. It would be no harm for us to have a debate on civility in politics as this was an example of the way the process should play out. I am not commenting on the personalities but the process was done with considerable dignity, with a discussion of the leadership while dealing with issues and treating the respective parties with courtesy. I speak as someone who remembers very clearly the Haughey heaves when the atmosphere was extremely different. A number of the people from Fianna Fáil who spoke during this period kept indicating that this is a new kind politics and they were trying to deal with reality. I hope and believe they were, and I would like to believe this would be extended throughout the body politic.

It is very important that whatever our differences of view, we should treat each other with respect. Only if politicians treat each other with respect and conduct campaigns in a dignified way will we regain the respect of the public which, unfortunately, we have lost.