Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Yesterday we had a fine session on the arts in Ireland on which I compliment the Minister. It struck me that he had a hands-on involvement with his ministerial portfolio and I would be very pleased if we could have another session because yesterday's was fruitful. I thank the Leader for facilitating it.

I would also like to thank the Leader and the Committee on Procedure and Privileges for agreeing to bring Dr. Maurice Manning to this House next week. He is a fine advocate of human rights and this House has a proud record in that regard. We should all accept that human rights are not the gift of any person to give or not give to any power to withhold. I was shocked yesterday when, once again, I realised that the rights of the Palestinian people have again fallen victim to power politics and domestic elections. That cannot be right. I believe the Seanad has the opportunity to show its independence. Although we are a small nation, we are seen as an honest broker by many. All I can feel this morning is sadness for the Palestinian people when they realise that the small person and nation have, once again, fallen victim to power politics. Obviously, we have great respect for America. We welcomed Obama with open arms and the empathy that exists between us could be seen clearly. However, it is sad that the people who have suffered so much for so long are now going to continue to suffer.

There is an extended aspect to this. The credibility of world powers will now be affected also. When people who welcomed what happened in the Arab world talk in the future of freedom, independence and sovereignty for all, that will not stand up, because we cannot have it both ways. Either people are for independence for all people and will recognise all people and give them their God-given right and their statehood, or not. It would be wonderful for Seanad Éireann to take up the point made here this morning. As Senator Leyden said, it would be wonderful if we stood by what we believed we were standing by a year or less ago and put that through today in a spirit of goodwill. I believe what happened yesterday and what will happen in the UN should not be a cry for vengeance but a cry for justice. We have the opportunity to do that in this House and I hope we will have the courage to do so.