Ivor Callely (Independent)

I have the right to speak freely, as I wish to, on the motion before the House. As a public representative, I have had many dealings with issues of this nature. I have carried out my duty to the best of my ability. Many decisions with which I have been associated over the past 25 years have concerned issues associated with the European Union and my constituency. I have no doubt that I have made mistakes but, hand on heart, I thought what I was doing was always right for the country. It would be dishonest of me at this point not to indicate that I did not seek re-election to Dáil Éireann, nor could I seek election to Seanad Éireann, mainly due - this relates to court proceedings - to allegations, processes and proceedings.