David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I would like to explain what happened yesterday, put it in context and withdraw some of the words that gave offence. I was simply furious, having just possessed a copy of this mendacious document in which those of us who over the past 30 years have campaigned for Seanad reform were smeared in the nastiest way. This will be a very dirty campaign and it comes from the top. I was incandescent with rage. I accept that my language was intemperate. Had I been called for an explanation at the time I would have given one. I do not intend to go into a lengthy, linguistic explanation and try to defend what I said, which I could do if it was an academic discussion. I regret any offence but what I regret most is that this will be used in this dirty campaign as a diversion.