Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 8 on the Order Paper be taken immediately before No. 1.

The Crimean situation clearly shows that the Cold War is alive and kicking. It is worrying and depressing that, so many years after the Cuban situation, something similar seems to be happening now. To a certain extent, the Crimea is Russia's Cuba. It has always regarded the Crimea as being under its sphere of influence. I support Senator Leyden's call for Europe to speak with a strong and united voice on this issue, as it must be handled very carefully.

On a lighter note, next week is the annual racing festival at Cheltenham. It is difficult to believe it has been already a year since last year's festival, which was in the middle of the Meath by-election, if I remember correctly.