Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It will allow Members from all parties and none to present their economic views and vision for the next few years. We can only ask that we have a full debate on the matter here with the Minister for Finance, as soon as possible.

I support what Senator Mullins said about the executions in Indonesia. Most if not all right-minded people would be deeply upset and outraged at them. We must also ask ourselves why Members of this House and the public are suddenly excited about executions in Indonesia. Every day around the globe, particularly in China and in our ally, the United States, executions take place. China and the US are the capital countries, excuse the pun, of the death penalty. We must revisit the concept from an international perspective and demand an end to the death penalty. We will soon see the American political circus in full swing as candidates seek nominations from the two main parties. These candidates will have to demonstrate how tough they are on law and order and how committed they are to retaining the death penalty across the US. I recall with horror the performance and behaviour of Bill Clinton, who is always lionised not only in this House, but throughout the country, when he was a presidential candidate in 1992 and Governor of Arkansas and he signed the papers to allow the execution of a person who was at the least mentally deficient. That was our great hero Bill Clinton being tough on crime. This does not happen just in Indonesia, but in China and particularly in the US. I concur with what has been said about those executed in Indonesia but we must consider other countries. The United Nations has led a campaign to bring about some degree of civilisation in the world and an end to the death penalty. We have a role to play in that. We can start much closer to home.