David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I share the concerns expressed by colleagues with regard to the highly volatile and dangerous situation in Ukraine. There seems to be no leadership at all there. Situations of division are extremely dangerous. We should remember the position which obtained prior to the First World War and the fact that people walked right into that conflict. Lord Grey was in tears on the evening before war was eventually declared. One shot started the First World War and in current circumstances a single shot could have a very dangerous impact, particularly if it hit the wrong person. What Hitler did in respect of the Sudetenland prior to the Second World War also comes to mind. Although Putin is a stinker, I would not equate him with Hitler. I am merely seeking to outline some of the historical precedents. The Russians have involved agents provocateurs in order to create problems, which is exactly what happened in the Sudetenland prior to start of the Second World War.

International treaties involving various member states of the European Union and the Russian Federation have been clearly broken. There is a very dangerous background. One must also see it from the other side. Imagine if one was Russian. Crimea is part of Russia culturally, historically and linguistically. They have one of the biggest Russian naval bases there. Of course, they feel threatened. It does not matter that Putin did nothing but lie at his press conference. He should get the Ceaucescu award for international political liar of the year. We in Europe are dependent on gas from Russia. It is a highly dangerous situation and it would be right to discuss it.

Will the Leader draw the attention of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht of a disastrous and craven decision by Dublin City Council? I know that body is separate from us, but this involves a question of national heritage. I can see from this building the roofs of Fitzwilliam Street. The ESB disgraced itself 20 or 30 years ago by destroying the single longest Georgian streetscape in the entire world. It put a heap of utterly modernist brutalist rubbish in place of it. The council's plan means it is supposed to restore it to the 18th century facade. That is what should happen. If The Night Watchby Rembrandt was savaged by some lunatic, they would not hire Pablo Picasso or Matisse to finish it off, they would get a good restorationist. That is what should happen here. Dublin City Council should be utterly ashamed.

One other matter of shame occurs. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, to come to the House to explain to us why he told us in black and white terms on the record that there was no question at the moment of over-the-counter sales by Tesco. Tesco is now selling petrol. I do not know if it is selling coffins but it is selling everything it can get its hands on. It is starting banking. This here is a photograph of over-the-counter transactions in the form of post-and-pay customer services.