Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As I came into Leinster House this morning I could hear all the shouting emanating from this Chamber. A group of schoolchildren were in the hall. We are doing ourselves a great deal of harm in this House when we shout and raise objections. I heard Senator Mooney say that when the Cathaoirleach is on his feet, it is expected that the speaker should resume his or her seat. Certain behaviour will damage the future of this House. We have to be careful how we handle that because it is on our own shoulders if we find ourselves doing harm to the future of this House.

I refer to Senator Barrett's contribution about the Alliance Party and the terror that was foisted on its members yesterday in Northern Ireland. I am of the opinion that we do not recognise the wonderful peace that has existed in recent times. This has been enabled to a large extent by people like the Alliance Party. We must remember that peace was not achieved easily nor did it come easily to those people who had to take steps which were not always welcome. Senator Mooney also referred to the Buy Irish campaign. I would love to think people would buy Irish products. He mentioned the NDC mark on milk. We should remember that there are six counties in Northern Ireland that are part of this island. When we talk about buying Irish, we should include the whole island and not just part of it. I remember when Irish products were identified in my supermarket. I was asked what to call a product from Antrim or Armagh. It did not dawn on me to regard such products as anything but Irish. We should do our best to purchase Irish goods this Christmas and to include the whole island.