David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

He was an unobtrusive man but he had a very shrewd political intellect. Of course he came from a distinguished political dynasty. I wish him well in his retirement.

With regard to the question of genetically modified food, which was raised by my colleague and friend, Senator Feargal Quinn, it is very interesting that the North of Ireland has decided to ban it. This places us in a particular situation. I have always felt that with regard to EU policies there is much more in common between the agricultural community North and South than there was between that in Northern Ireland and England. It would be a pity if we did not explore the area with a view to banning it in the South. We had discussions on this and I was strongly reprimanded by an old colleague of mine, Professor David McConnell in Trinity. He had all this science but I had my science as well and the conclusions are ambiguous. What is not ambiguous is the criminal behaviour of some of the genetically modified food corporations such as Monsanto. It has a really disastrous record around the world. We need to be very careful. Laying aside the scientific evidence for a moment, or forever in fact, if we look at the practical market opportunities most European countries accept genetically modified food. Ireland does not and we are unique in this. If we maintain this we will have an established niche market for green uncontaminated foods. We should think long and hard before we give away this opportunity.