Ivor Callely (Independent)

I join with others in congratulating Senator Maurice Cummins on his appointment as Leader. Like my colleague Senator Hanafin, I wish him well. We know the road ahead will be a challenging one for those in government. We wish him well on, as Senator Hanafin put it, the easy and the tough decisions. As Senator Ellis mentioned, we are all at one, rightly, in our desire to move forward and address the difficult decisions.

I do not wish any disagreement with the Cathaoirleach, who has a letter on his desk from me - I think he is getting it as we speak - on the subject of an appeal to his decision not to afford me the opportunity to make a personal explanation under Standing Order 32A. That is his decision and I will not have any disagreement with him in that regard. I have sent him a letter of appeal and I hope he will consider it and look favourably upon my request.

I could table an amendment to the Order of Business to seek permission to allow people such as me, who would like to make a short statement, ten minutes to speak. We do not have a full day of business; I do not think the House will sit into the late afternoon. I am asking for this, rather than tabling an amendment, and I hope Senator Cummins will accommodate my request in a spirit of co-operation. As I mentioned earlier, co-operation is what the public wants to see on the national issues, and it should happen at every level. I am simply asking that people such as I, who have not had an opportunity to put certain issues on the record, be given a chance to do so. I have been ridiculed personally, as a Member of this House.