David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I express a certain amount of concern about the constitutional convention, particularly reports in the newspapers that the members of the public involved will be anonymous. This is regrettable because everyone who has an opinion should be prepared to stand over it. In other jurisdictions with this type of convention, such as the Netherlands, Iceland and the Canadian provinces, the people involved have all been prepared to be identified. In British Columbia the opening session was televised and it was all streamed live. The newspapers carried profiles of the various members. I understand the reticence of people; some people do not want to go on juries for the same reason but they must. When one takes a role in discussing issues which have a significant bearing on the personal lives of citizens and in framing a constitution one should be prepared to stand up and be counted. We need much more information about the constitutional convention. We do not really know how it will operate. I am rather saddened that I will not represent my group on the section dealing with gay marriage. I thought it would have been reasonably appropriate for me to do so but apparently it will not happen. I would like an opportunity to address the convention.

The outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East is a particularly important issue. Syria is already aflame and the Israelis, after a day in which there was no rocket fire, launched a new offensive called Operation Pillar of Defence. They have a habit of giving sanitised names to what they do. They killed ten people, including civilians and a prominent member of the armed group associated with Hamas, Ahmed Jabari. The general in charge, General Yoav Mordechai, stated he anticipated rocket strikes in return and he got them. Tragically, three Israeli civilians were killed. We need to take a stand on this particularly in the light of the attitude of Prime Minister Netanyahu. He stated this would prevent rocket strikes. There had been no rocket strikes the previous day. He launched an attack and immediately got them. An election is coming up and this appalling cynicism should be remarked upon. We should be grateful the United Nations and the President of the United States have tried to intervene to prevent this highly dangerous situation from escalating. I stand in solidarity with Trócaire and the other groups which have spoken about the suffering of the Palestinian people. I reject accusations from the other House that they have been over-politicised. They are playing their appropriate role as witnesses to an appalling tragedy inflicted upon suffering people.