David Norris (Independent)

I have had to change my telephone number on three or four occasions. How did grub street get my changed telephone number within 12 hours?

I wish there was more time. I hope we will have a proper debate in which we do not shilly-shally and that we will have the guts to address the issue because there is not a newspaper, radio station or television station that has not vilified, blackguarded, defamed or libelled me. I know many Senators are terrified, as are the unfortunate journalists who are bullied in their offices but until the day I die I will tell the truth and take the consequences. Several times during the debate on the Defamation Bill I argued that, as truth is immutable, we should not lower the standard of truth for people who give public service. That is an outrage in my opinion. Tell the truth or pay the price should be the standard for Irish journalism.